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News
Friendly soil fungus could replace chemical sprays in battle against crop diseases
Release of natural airborne chemicals inhibits growth of pathogens
29 September, 2025
A common soil fungus could help farmers reduce their reliance on synthetic fungicides, new research suggests, by producing natural airborne chemicals that suppress devastating plant diseases.
Scientists at Rothamsted, along with partners at the universities of Warwick and Exeter, have found that Trichoderma hamatum — a fungus already known to protect plants — releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that inhibit the growth of crop pathogens. In laboratory tests, these natural vapours stalled the advance of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a mould responsible for rot in crops such as lettuce, beans and oilseed rape.
The discovery offers fresh hope for greener crop protection at a time when agriculture is under pressure to cut chemical inputs
The study showed that when T. hamatum was grown alongside S. sclerotiorum, the interaction triggered a surge in VOC production, with the highest levels occurring after 17 days. Several of the identified chemicals, including 1-octen-3-one, proved able to halt not only S. sclerotiorum but also other destructive fungi such as Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot) and Gaeumannomyces tritici (take-all disease in wheat).
The findings suggest that such natural compounds could be developed into a more sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides, which are facing increasing regulatory restrictions in the UK and Europe.
Rothamsted's Dr Joszef Vuts, a co-author of the study said, "Further work is needed to understand how these fungal VOCs operate in real-world farming conditions, and whether they can be harnessed effectively at scale. But the discovery offers fresh hope for greener crop protection at a time when agriculture is under pressure to cut chemical inputs."
Publication
Contacts
Dr Jozsef Vuts
Chemical Ecologist
Dr David Withall
Biological and Synthesis Chemist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.