Role of Volatile Organic Compounds in Establishment of the Trichoderma–Plant Interaction

Abstract

Trichoderma species are multifaceted fungi that proliferate in the soil around roots or live inside plants as endophytes. The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including sesquiterpenes, 6-n-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6-PP), and ß-caryophyllene by Trichoderma appears to be integral for recognition as beneficial organisms and enables not only plant colonization, but also promotes root branching and reinforces immunity. Genes encoding proteins for the biosynthesis of VOCs in fungi and their signaling targets in plants have just begun to be identified, which unveil an intimate relationship that promotes fungal growth on one side and shapes plant physiology and metabolism for improved survival and adaptation on the other.