Creating Eco-Friendly Fungicides from Rosin for Sustainable Crop Protection

Jim Crocker
21st July, 2024

Creating Eco-Friendly Fungicides from Rosin for Sustainable Crop Protection

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Northwest A&F University developed rosin-based fungicides to combat fungal diseases in crops
  • One compound, Co. 6a, effectively inhibited the growth of the apple canker pathogen Valsa mali in lab and field tests
  • Co. 6a damages fungal cell membranes and disrupts energy production, leading to fungal cell death
  • While Co. 6a is environmentally friendly, it can cause damage to zebrafish organs at high concentrations, necessitating careful dosage management
Crop protection is a critical concern in agriculture, with fungal diseases posing significant threats to yield and quality. The need for effective, eco-friendly fungicides is pressing. Researchers at Northwest A&F University have made strides in this area by developing rosin-based fungicides[1]. Their study introduces two series of these compounds, totaling 35, with promising results against fungal pathogens. One standout compound, referred to as Co. 6a, demonstrated remarkable efficacy. In laboratory tests, Co. 6a inhibited the growth of Valsa mali, a pathogen responsible for apple canker, with an EC50 value of 0.627 μg/mL. In field tests, Co. 6a showed protective efficacy ranging from 35.12% to 75.20% on apple branches and 75.86% to 90.82% on apples. To understand how Co. 6a works, researchers conducted quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory. These calculations identified the amide structure of Co. 6a as the primary active site. Further investigations into the mycelial morphology and physiology of V. mali revealed that Co. 6a causes significant cell membrane damage, accelerates electrolyte leakage, decreases succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) protein activity, and impairs various physiological and biochemical functions, leading to fungal cell death. Molecular docking analysis, a technique used to predict how molecules like drugs bind to their targets, showed a strong binding energy (ΔE = -7.29 kcal/mol) between Co. 6a and SDH. This binding disrupts the SDH enzyme, which is crucial for the fungal cell's energy production. This mode of action is similar to that of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs), a class of fungicides that target the SDH enzyme[2]. However, resistance to SDHIs has been observed in various pathogens due to mutations in the SDH enzyme, which complicates their effectiveness[2]. The introduction of Co. 6a offers a novel approach that could potentially circumvent these resistance issues. The environmental impact of Co. 6a was also evaluated using a zebrafish model. While the compound was confirmed to be environmentally friendly, toxicological assessments indicated that at median lethal concentration [LC50(96)], Co. 6a caused damage to the gills, liver, and intestines of zebrafish. This highlights the need for careful dosage management to minimize potential ecological harm. The findings from Northwest A&F University's study build upon previous research into plant-derived fungicides and their mechanisms. For instance, a study on α-pinene derivatives from turpentine showed that these compounds could inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membranes, leading to increased membrane permeability and cell death[3]. Similarly, Co. 6a's impact on cell membrane integrity and SDH activity suggests a multifaceted approach to disrupting fungal cell functions. Moreover, the study's focus on eco-friendly solutions aligns with ongoing efforts to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Previous research on Stachybotrys levispora, which produces griseofulvin to inhibit Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, another significant crop pathogen, underscores the potential of natural compounds in biocontrol[4]. The promising results of Co. 6a add to this body of knowledge, offering a new candidate for sustainable crop protection. In summary, the development of rosin-based fungicides by Northwest A&F University represents a significant advancement in the quest for effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions. The study's comprehensive approach, from molecular docking to field efficacy tests, provides a robust foundation for future research and application. By addressing both efficacy and environmental impact, this research paves the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.

AgricultureSustainabilityBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Design, synthesis and biological activity evaluation of eco-friendly rosin-based fungicides for sustainable crop protection.

Published 19th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8323

Related Studies

2) A review of current knowledge of resistance aspects for the next-generation succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides.

https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-01-13-0009-RVW

3) Taking Advantage of the Renewable Forest Bioresource Turpentine to Prepare α,β-Unsaturated Compounds as Highly Efficient Fungicidal Candidates.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05364

4) Biological and Chemical Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum using Stachybotrys levispora and Its Secondary Metabolite Griseofulvin.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04197


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