Forest Tree Associated Bacterial Diffusible and Volatile Organic Compounds against Various Phytopathogenic Fungi

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can potentially be used as an alternative strategy to control plant diseases. In this study, strain ST–TJ4 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a healthy poplar was found to have a strong antifungal activity against 11 phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture and forestry. Strain ST–TJ4 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. based on 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences. The bacterium can produce siderophores, cellulase, and protease, and has genes involved in the synthesis of phenazine, 1–phenazinecarboxylic acid, pyrrolnitrin, and hydrogen cyanide. Additionally, the volatile compounds released by strain ST–TJ4 can inhibit the mycelial growth of plant pathogenic fungi more than diffusible substances can. Based on volatile compound profiles of strain ST–TJ4 obtained from headspace collection and GC–MS/MS analysis, 1-undecene was identified. In summary, the results suggested that Pseudomonas sp. ST–TJ4 can be used as a biocontrol agent for various plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi.