Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (11): 247-260.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0431

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Analysis of Volatile Components in Solanum tuberosum L. Plants Infected with Phytophthora infestans

LUO Yi-fei(), XU Ya, LU Si-qi, GAO Yuan-yuan, GOU Zhan, FANG Hong, SHANG Yi, TENG Lin-lin()   

  1. Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500
  • Received:2025-04-23 Online:2025-11-26 Published:2025-12-09
  • Contact: TENG Lin-lin E-mail:lhylss163@163.com;tenglinlin1000@163.com

Abstract:

Objective Given the significance of potatoes as a food crop, investigating plant volatiles and their roles in defense is vital for improving production. This study analyzed volatile compounds before and after Phytophthora infestans infection to clarify their defensive functions and provide a basis for reducing disease and enhancing yield. Method Headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to identify and compare the volatile compounds of healthy and inoculated potato samples. Result A total of 9 volatile components were identified from the healthy plant, of which terpenoids, esters and heterocyclic compounds were the predominant constituents. Differential analysis showed that 80, 53, and 37 differential metabolites were screened at 24, 48, and 72 h post-inoculation, respectively. Among these, terpenoids were the most abundant, followed by heterocyclic compounds, esters, and alcohols. Notable VOC accumulation was detected in P. infestans-inoculated potato plants at 24 h and 48 h post-inoculation, comprising characteristic early-response compounds: safranal, dehydromevalonolactone, trans-2, cis-6-nonadienol and lavandulol. However, at 72 h after inoculation, the contents of pre-accumulated compounds decreased noticeably, with concomitant accumulation of late-phase response compounds, exemplified by butylidenephthalide and geranial. Conclusion Variations of volatile compounds in potato plants following P. infestans infection reveals dynamic changes in defensive responses against pathogen invasion. Specific alterations in volatile profiles induced by P. infestans infection in potato plants elucidate dynamic changes in defense mechanisms, delineate temporal dynamics of putative defensive volatiles, and provide a scientific basis for chemometrics-assisted diagnosis of late blight. These findings may establish a scientific foundation for quality assessment research in this essential food crop.

Key words: Solanum tuberosum L., HS-SPME-GC-MS, Phytophthora infestans, volatile component, metabolomics analysis