An insight on potential role of microbial volatiles as an aromatic tool in management of crop productivity

Abstract

Abstract Microbes releasing varieties of organic compounds considered as “signature markers” are known to play an important role in intra- and interkingdom interactions in below- and aboveground zones. The majority of volatile compounds released from the rhizosphere interface have shown possible roles in pathogen suppression. The production of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) in soil is influenced by various factors including the growth stage of the microbes, nutrient availability, temperature, oxygen availability, pH, and soil moisture content. Recent research has suggested that these signature molecules of microbial origin are insect repellant in nature, and have potential opportunities in managing crop losses occurring through insect pest infestation. Concerning the implementation of mVOCs, our knowledge on the potential use of such volatile compounds in large-scale agricultural and horticultural activities is still limited. In agricultural systems, mVOCs need to be applied under open-field conditions, which are very different from the in vitro conditions currently used in most studies. Despite the potential role of mVOCs in agriculture, field trials are still a big challenge due to several constraints. The present chapter explores the chemical diversity of mVOCs, interventions in plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions, as well as application potential in sustainable management of agricultural productivity.