This study aimed to determine the effect of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on some pathogens, these VOCs were emitted during interactions of barley with Fusarium culmorum Schltdl and/or Cochliobolus sativus Shoemaker, two common root rot pathogens. Our work shows that two organic esters: methyl propanoate (MP) and methyl prop-2-enoate (MA) significantly reduced the development of fungi in vitro. Additional tests showed that the esters significantly inhibited spore germination of these pathogens. The activity of these VOCs on a wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens was also tested in vitro and showed inhibitory action. The effect of the VOCs on infected barley seeds also showed plantlets growing without disease symptoms. MA and MP seem to have potential value as alternative plant protection compounds against barley bioagressors.
