A volatile lactone of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, pathogen of European ash dieback, inhibits host germination

Abstract

The largely unknown secondary metabolism of the plant pathogenic fungus Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus was investigated by use of the CLSA method. A set of volatile lactones was identified by GC/MS. The lactones were synthesized and used in bioassays in which one of the compounds was found to be a strong germination inhibitor for ash seeds, causing necroses in the plant tissue.

Keywords: Fraxinus excelsior; Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus; ash dieback; lactones; plant pathogens.