Volatile emission compounds from plant growth-promoting bacteria are responsible for the antifungal activity against F. solani.

The aims of this work were to screen isolated bacteria with a dual capacity: to inhibit Fusarium solani and to promote plant growth. Also, volatile compounds that would be responsible for that effect were identified. Seventy bacterial strains from the air, agricultural soils, hydrocarbons-contaminated soils, and extremophile soils were tested. The former were identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing. The plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and their capability for phosphate solubilization, siderophores production, and indole production were determined. Twenty isolates from Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera inhibited the mycelial growth up to 40% in direct assays. Eleven isolates significantly inhibited mycelial growth in 18-24% via volatile emissions. Volatile compounds related to antifungal activity or stress response include ketones, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenoids, alkanes, and fatty acids. Our results support the potential of these PGPB to act as biocontrol agents against fungal pathogens via volatile emissions. © King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology 2020.