Fungal-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for soil biofumigation
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a sustainable biofumigation technology using volatile organic compounds from the fungus Metarhizium brunneum. These compounds effectively repel or eliminate soil pests like nematodes and wireworms without leaving toxic residues. This technology provides a safe, biorational alternative to restricted chemical fumigants, offering industrial partners a validated, license-ready solution to improve crop protection and agricultural sustainability.
Overview
This technology utilizes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum as a sustainable, biorational alternative to synthetic chemical soil fumigants. Developed by researchers at Swansea University, these fungal-derived metabolites effectively repel or eradicate a broad range of destructive soil-borne pests—including plant-parasitic nematodes, wireworms, molluscs, and various larvae—without leaving harmful residues in the environment or the food chain. By providing a natural, short-lived solution, this technology addresses the urgent agricultural need for safe, environmentally friendly pest control methods as conventional chemical pesticides face increasing global restrictions.
Technical specifications
The technology centers on the application of specific fungal volatile metabolites, such as 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone. These compounds exhibit dose-dependent activity:
- Repellency: At low doses, the VOCs act as effective deterrents, keeping pests away from vulnerable crops.
- Eradication: At higher concentrations, the compounds demonstrate lethal effects on targeted soil invertebrate pests.
- Safety: The metabolites are rapidly degraded in the environment, show no phytotoxicity, and are unlikely to enter the human food chain.
- Application Strategies: The VOCs are designed for subsurface injection prior to planting or integration into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to create lure-and-kill or confuse-and-kill systems.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced stage of development. Fundamental research, risk assessment, and field validation have been conducted, with specific intellectual property already licensed to industry partners for commercial product development. Commercial formulations based on Metarhizium species are established in the market, and next-generation biorational fumigants utilizing these specific VOCs are undergoing active development and...
About Swansea University
Swansea University is a comprehensive public research university with dual campuses along Swansea Bay and a partnership-driven, applied research culture. Purpose-built facilities on the Bay Campus co-locate engineering research with company spaces and pilot-scale testbeds, accelerating product development and contract R&D. The Medical School works closely with NHS partners, with an adjacent hospital supporting clinical translation and real‑world evaluation. Research activity is backed by competitive national funding through UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK, alongside NHS collaborations and Welsh Government support. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing and spinout formation, with access to on‑campus collaboration and incubation space.
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