Diffusible and Volatile Antifungal Compounds Produced by Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca ST-TJ4 against Various Phytopathogenic Fungi

Abstract Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can potentially be used as an alternative strategy to control plant disease. In this study, strain ST-TJ4 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a healthy poplar was found to have strong antifungal activity against 11 phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture and forestry. Strain ST-TJ4 was identified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca based on 16S rDNA 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. Moreover, 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 P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca ST-TJ4 can be used as a biocontrol agent for various plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi.