Invisible signals from the underground: A practical method to investigate the effect of microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by rhizobacteria on plant growth. Issue 4 (9th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: del Rosario Cappellari, Lorena; Chiappero, Julieta; Banchio, Erika
• Is Part Of: Biochemistry and molecular biology education. Volume 47:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 388
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2019-04-09
• Subjects: Microbial volatile organic compounds -- plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria -- PGPR -- Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03; Biochemistry -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 572.071
• DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-8175

Abstract

Abstract: Rhizobacteria that colonize plant roots and promote plant growth are referred to as plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria, and this can stimulate plant growth either indirectly or directly. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by rhizobacteria have the capacity to promote plant growth as well as perform biocontrol of fungal pathogens. The microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are characterized by a low molecular weight and a high vapor pressure, which facilitate evaporation and diffusion at normal temperatures and at above‐ground and below‐ground pressures. mVOCs can travel far from the point of production through the atmosphere, porous soils and liquids, thereby making them ideal infochemicals for mediating interspecific interactions. However, knowledge about the biological and ecological roles of microbial VOCs is still limited compared with that of plant VOCs. Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive laboratory class aimed at biotechnology or soil microbiology students, which uses techniques to increase their understanding of the mechanisms of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and also illustrate the effects of mVOCs emitted by rhizobacteria on plant growth promotion, as well as evaluating their potential as a biocontrol. The laboratory class is divided into two sessions: an initial 3‐hour experimental session and a second 2‐hour analytical one. The experimental session involves two separate experiments: one of which is dedicated to illustrating the effect of mVOCs on plant growth parameters, while the second explores the capacity of VOCs as a biocontrol. Also, the class provides students with an opportunity to perform useful assays, draw conclusions from their results, and discuss possible extensions of the study. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):388–393, 2019.