Effect of Farnesol and Octenol on Mycelium Differentiation

Abstract

Hyphal systems have been essential for the morphoanatomical characterization of basidiomesand mycelia of aphyllophoroid fungi for taxonomic purposes. They have alsobeen shown to influence the consistency of basidiomes. Recent developments in areassuch as mycelium composite production as sustainable materials have redirected scientists’attention to these structures, particularly regarding their material resistance, wherecomplex hyphal systems enhance the properties of these composites. Compounds such asfarnesol and octenol trigger growth and differentiation processes in many fungal groups,and laccases have been proposed as enzymes involved in these processes, given their rolesin the synthesis of cell wall pigments and other cell wall components. Given the easilyquantifiable differences in hyphal knots and dimitic mycelium between Fuscoporia torulosaand Inocutis tamaricis, we employed them as models to study their responses to thesecompounds, thereby helping fill the knowledge gap in the modulation of macrofungalmycelial differentiation. A variable effect was observed on laccase induction, while radialgrowth was reduced by octenol by up to 83% in F. torulosa and 65% in I. tamaricis, and byfarnesol by up to 80% in I. tamaricis, showing slight effects on F. torulosa. Reductions of upto 100% were observed in the combination of high doses of both chemicals.