# Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

## TL;DR

A new study explores how Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N produces antifungal compounds to control Verticillium wilt in cotton.

## Contribution

The study identifies 3-octanol and (E)-2-octenal as antifungal VOCs from CEF642N using the OSMAC strategy.

## Key findings

- 3-octanol and (E)-2-octenal are effective antifungal volatile organic compounds.
- Transcriptome analysis shows gene expression differences linked to volatile compound production.
- Arachidonic acid metabolism and lipoxygenase genes are associated with VOC biosynthesis.

## Abstract

Verticillium wilt is a devastating soil-borne disease that significantly impacts cotton production, necessitating the development the effective biofumigants for its control. In this study, the inhibitory effect of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N against Verticillium dahliae were evaluated using the one strain many compounds (OSMAC) strategy and analyzed through volatile metabolome. CEF642N was found to produce two primary VOCs, 3-octanol and 2-octenal, (E)-, both of which demonstrated significant antifungal activity. Transcriptome analysis of mycelium grown on various solid media revealed notable differences in the expression of genes associated with arachidonic acid metabolism, lipoxygenase (LOX), and lytic enzymes. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at identifying key genes involved in the eight-carbon volatile biosynthetic pathway.