Contribution to the study of the chemical composition of Pythium diclinum secretions in liquid media
Pythium diclinum, isolated for the first time from Moroccan waters, produces several volatile metabolites with very diverse properties including, for example, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde which is involved in the pathogenesis of several other micro-organisms, and tridecane which is a pollutant. Other detected compounds include the odoriferous molecules such as cyclotetradecane, 2 ethylhexanol and benzaldehyde, the presence of which suggests a possible contribution of Oomycetes to odour and taste problems in drinking waters. This study also showed that Pythium species are pathogens for several crops, owing to their production of enzymes and toxins. They are also able to produce beneficial compounds, such as myristic acid and phenylethanol, which are used particularly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agro-alimentary industries.