Production of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) by two Trichoderma isolates grown on either malt extract or minimal media was examined and statistically assessed to identify which VOC's were predominantly produced on each of the two media types. The VOC's were captured onto chromatographic absorbent from above the cultures of the fungi before being analysed by integrated Automated Thermal Desorbtion- GC-MS. In addition the inhibitory effects of the VOC's were assayed against four common wood decay fungi. Although the VOC's produced on the malt media consistently inhibited the target fungi, effects were negligible when the fungi were grown on the minimal medium. A total of 45 individual VOC's were identified however statistical analysis by principal component analysis indicated that only 5 were implicated in the inhibition of the decay fungi. The likely importance of volatiles in the biological control of wood decay fungi is discussed.

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