Talaromyces wortmannii FS2 emits β-caryphyllene, which promotes plant growth and induces resistance

A plant-growth-promoting fungus (PGPF), Talaromyces sp. was isolated from an agricultural field in southwestern Japan. We found that this fungus emitted several terpenoid-like volatiles including beta-caryophyllene. Then we investigated the effect of beta-caryophyllene on promoting the growth and inducing resistance of Brassica campestris L. var. perviridis. The compound significantly enhanced the growth of seedlings and their resistance to Colletotrichum higginsianum. On the basis of these results, we discuss the role of beta-caryophyllene in the activities of PGPF.