Fourwing saltbush, Atriplex canescens, is an important food source for herbivores in the desert southwest.  It produces plant volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) that could possibly serve as the source of attraction for herbivores.  Initial studies revealed a symbiotic relationship between A. canescens and various fungal strains including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Phoma, and Nigrosporium.  This research aims to isolate and identify microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released during the growth of each fungal strain using head space solid phase microextraction (HS SPME) and GC-MS.  Alternaria versicolor is being used as a model system.  HS SPME exposure times and temperatures are being varied to optimize MVOC isolation.  Future studies include comparison of the A. canescens PVOC profile with that of the fungal MVOC profiles in order to determine if herbivores are attracted to the plant or to the fungus.

Using HS SPME and GC-MS to identify microbial volatile organic compounds in fungal strains isolated from Atriplex canescens

245th National Meeting (2013)

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