Directed Growth Responses of Boytris cinerea to Plant-Derived Terpenes

Presentation Type

Poster

Conference Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Abstract

Fungi must continuously perceive and respond to environmental cues to survive and colonize hosts, including changes in temperature, pH, and host-derived chemical signals. These signals are often detected at the cell surface through receptors and signaling pathways that regulate growth and behavior. Botrytis cinerea is a generalist necrotrophic pathogen that can infect a wide variety of hosts, infecting 80-90% of crops with gray mold disease. It is a unique pathogen as it can infect most eudicot crops at all stages of growth posing an immense threat to agricultural production. Despite extensive knowledge of its pathogenicity it remains unclear to what extent B. cinerea can sense and behaviorally respond to host-associated volatile cues. In this study, we aim to determine if B. cinerea exhibits directed growth responses to plant-derived volatiles. Using T-shaped choice assays, we will quantify whether hyphae preferentially grow towards or away from these compounds. Defining B. cinerea’s behavioral responses to host chemical environments will improve our understanding of early host-pathogen interactions and may inform strategies to manipulate attraction or avoidance using plant-derived volatiles as a biocontrol approach.

Presenter

Natalie Roberts

Faculty Mentor

Melanie Madrigal

Award

1st Place, Poster Presentations - STEM Disciplines; 1st Place, LSU College of Science

Academic Major

Biological Sciences

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