Volatile organic compounds from the interaction between Fusarium verticillioides and maize kernels as a natural repellents of Sitophilus zeamais

• Published in: Journal of stored products research 2017-09, Vol.73, p.109-114
• Main Authors: Usseglio, Virginia L., Pizzolitto, Romina P., Rodriguez, Carolina, Zunino, María P., Zygadlo, Julio A., Areco, Vanessa A., Dambolena, José S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fusarium verticillioides; Maize; Sesquiterpenes; Sitophilus zeamais; Volatile organic compounds
• ISSN: 0022-474X; 1879-1212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2017.08.001

Maize kernels are exposed to Sitophilus zeamais attack and Fusarium verticillioides infestation during storage, which can result in product deterioration and economic losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted by the fungi-corn system in grain-insect interactions. Volatiles emitted by healthy maize kernels were different from those emitted by fungal infected kernels, with the latter being enriched by alcohols, ketones and sesquiterpenes, which were considered early indicators of fungal contamination. The results demonstrated that the kernels exposed to the fungal VOCs and their pure compounds (1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol) were less attractive and less damaged by S. zeamais than controls. In addition to compound adsorption, other processes may have caused the protective effect of exposed kernels against insect damage. This is the first contribution of the role of the fungal volatiles on the behavior of S. zeamais, and could provide an important contribution to the conservation of stored grains and pest management and an early indicator of fungal contamination. [Display omitted] •VOCs emitted by fungi-corn system could induce a defense response in healthy grains.•The conditioned maize kernels are less attractive to the weevil S. zeamais.•VOCs of fungi-corn system could regulate the grain-insect interactions in silo.