Sensitive Detection of Antifungal Activity of Volatile Components Emitted from Plant Leaf Samples by Single Hypha Assay Method

Abstract

The single hypha assay method was applied to the screening of active antifungal volatile components emitted from plant leaf samples. An appropriate hypha was selected from a colony of Aspergillus niger or Rizoctonia solani, and its growth rate was measured. A sample holder containing leaf samples was inserted into the reaction vessel. The hyphal growth was observed on a television monitor and recorded on a video tape recorder. The leaf samples were then removed and the reaction vessel was flushed with air. By using this method, the antifungal activity of volatile components could be quantitatively evaluated within several hours.