Chapter 11
Harnessing Endophytic Microbial Volatile
Organic Compound (MVOC)
for Sustainable Agroecosystem
Dinesh Chandra, Pallavi and A.K. Sharma
Abstract Endophytic bacteria and fungi emit a wealth of volatiles, representing a
promising group of microorganisms, as they are a largely untapped reservoir of
metabolic diversity. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) occur as mixtures
of low molecular mass hydrocarbons, alcohols, heterocyclic compound, aldehydes,
ketones, and other small molecules. They have characteristic aromas and are pro-
duced during primary and secondary metabolism of microbes. Their ability to
diffuse makes them excellent chemical signaling molecules in nonaqueous habitats
and facilitates the ability of microbes to engage in chemical conversations. The
methods for the collection and detection of MVOC are steam distillation, liquid–
liquid extraction, simultaneous distillation extraction, purge and trap, supercritical
fluid extraction, and solid phase microextraction (SPME). Among them, SPME is
the most commonly used technique as it integrates the extraction, concentration,
and introduction in one step thus resulting in reducing preparation time. A growing
body of evidence indicates that MVOCs are eco-friendly and can be exploited as a
cost-effective and sustainable strategy in agricultural practice as agents triggering
plant immunity and promoting plant growth. Also, MVOC-mediated conversion of
solid cellulosic biomass to liquid biofuels may provide a renewable energy source
for transportation fuels.
Keywords EndophyteMVOCPlant growthBiofuelSPME
D. Chandra (&)PallaviA.K. Sharma
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic Science and Humanities, G.B. Pant,
University of Agriculture and Technology, U.S Nagar, Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
e-mail: [email protected]
Pallavi
e-mail: [email protected]
A.K. Sharma
e-mail: [email protected]
©Springer International Publishing AG 2017
D.K. Maheshwari and K. Annapurna (eds.),Endophytes: Crop Productivity
and Protection, Sustainable Development and Biodiversity 16,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-66544-3_11
239