Huang, Pin-JiePin-JieHuangHuang, Chiao-WenChiao-WenHuangCai, Zhen-RongZhen-RongCaiChen, Yu-ZhenYu-ZhenChenHIENG MING TINGLin, Yao-ChengYao-ChengLinLin, Wei-ChaoWei-ChaoLinOhme-Takagi, MasaruMasaruOhme-TakagiSukma, DewiDewiSukmaYeh, Kai-WunKai-WunYehCHIU-PING CHENGChan, Ming-TsairMing-TsairChanSHU-JEN WANG2026-02-242026-02-242026-03https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105029370779&origin=resultslisthttps://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/735967Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by microbes can influence plant growth positively or negatively. This study investigated the mechanism by which Piriformospora indica VOCs promote root growth in Arabidopsis . Gene expression changes in Arabidopsis exposed to P. indica VOCs were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Additionally, nitric oxide (NO) and iron-deficiency mutants were employed to explore pathways involved in lateral root development, complemented by gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (GC-QTOF) for VOC detection. P. indica VOCs significantly upregulated iron deficiency response genes, which are crucial for lateral root growth. Furthermore, two novel VOCs released by P. indica were identified within this system. The results thus showed that the observed root growth enhancement occurs through a nitric oxide-regulated pathway, emphasizing the interplay between microbial VOCs and plant physiological responses. In conclusion, P. indica VOCs promote lateral root development by activating iron deficiency responses via an NO-dependent mechanism. These findings provide valuable insights into plant-microbe interactions and suggest opportunities for improving crop growth and agricultural productivity through microbial applications.enArabidopsisIron deficiencyLateral rootNitric oxidePiriformospora indicaVolatile organic compoundsjournal article10.1016/j.stress.2026.101259