VOLATILE COMPOUND VALUES IN THE GRAIN-INSECT-FUNGAL INTERACTIONS

HERRERA J.; PIZZOLITTO R.; ZUNINO M.P.; ZYGADLO J.A.; DAMBOLENA J.S.

Jornada; XIX Jornadas Cientificas. Sociedad de Biología de Córdoba; 2013

The grains produce volatile compounds (VC) as a defense mechanism, modulating insect attack and fungal infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and antifungal activity on Fusarium verticillioides. T he VC from grains and fungi were obtained from commercial preparations.The insecticidal and antifungal activities were evaluated through fumigants assays. The most bioactive VC against fungal strain were: trans-2-nonenal> trans-2,cis-6-nonadienal> trans-2-hexenal> valeraldhyde> 1-octen-3-ol> 3-octanol. However, 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol were the most toxic against S. zeamais. 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol are synthesized by fungal strains and low concentrations of them stimulate F. verticillioide growth.The aldehydes were more effective than alcohols. The present results suggest that these compounds, synthesized by grains, may play an interesting role in the control of fungi and insect infections. In addition, VC synthesizes by fungal strains could have repellent effects on insect and/or attractant effects in order to disperse their reproductive structures. In conclusion, the interaction between grain-insect-fungal strain could regulate the fungal and insect infections. These findings could provide an important contribution in search for new compounds to control insect and fungal.