Abstract: A method of suppressing fungal infection or disease in plants and plant tissue by exposure or treatment of plants with an effective amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, especially 2-methyl-1-propanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butyl acetate, is disclosed. Furthermore a method of inhibiting melanin production or pigmentation in phytopathogenic fungi, including fungi causing disease in rice such as Rice Blast Disease as well as a composition comprising one or more bacteria-derived volatile organic compounds and an agriculturally acceptable carrier are provided.