Production of volatile substances by rhizomorphs of Marasmius crinisequi and its significance in nature

Twigs entangled by rhizomorphs of Marasmius crinisequi inside tea bushes are mostly devoid of leaves. This was found to be due to the emission of a defoliation-inducing volatile by the rhizomorphs, because when tea twigs were enclosed with rhizomorph sections of M. crinisequi , leaf fall occurred within 5 days. Leaves on control twigs remained healthy and attached. The volatile substances emitted from rhizomorphs were passed through acetone and the volatile compounds in acetone were analyzed by GC/MS. The emitted volatiles were identified as 3-oxo-β-ionol, 2,4,6-tri-ter-butyl-4-methyl-cyclohexadien-2,5-one and 2-phenyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylpyridine. These compounds have not been reported from fungi or plants prior to this report. The significance of the production of a defoliation-inducing volatile by rhizomorphs of M. crinisequi in its acquisition of nutrients from tea leaves in the competitive environment is discussed.