Fungicidal activity and molecular docking of glycerol‐derived triazole compounds for controlling coffee leaf rust

Abstract

Coffee leaf rust (CLR), caused by Hemileia vastatrix, poses a significant threat to global coffee production, resulting in substantial economic losses. This study explores the effectiveness of triazole derivatives synthesized from glycerol in controlling CLR in conilon coffee (Coffea canephora). In vitro assays evaluated the inhibitory effect of triazole derivatives (4a–4q) at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm on H. vastatrix urediniospore germination, followed by greenhouse experiments to assess their preventive and curative potential. Preventive and curative sprayings of the four most efficient triazoles were conducted on seedlings inoculated with H. vastatrix at concentrations ranging from 0 to 400 ppm, evaluating severity, sporulation, incubation and latent periods. Triazole derivatives 4b, 4d, 4f and 4o effectively suppressed H. vastatrix urediniospore germination, achieving reductions between 9.9% and 78.8%. In greenhouse trials, these compounds demonstrated preventive efficacy by prolonging incubation and latent periods, reducing sporulation and mitigating rust severity, with triazole 4f exhibiting the highest efficiency. Furthermore, the derivatives showed effectiveness in curative treatments, particularly triazole 4f. Physiological analyses indicated no significant alterations in coffee plant metabolism, suggesting the safety of these compounds for agricultural use. Molecular docking studies elucidated their mechanism of action, suggesting their potential as antifungal agents by interacting with the HvCYP51 enzyme involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. Overall, the study underscores the promising efficacy of glycerol‐derived triazole derivatives in managing CLR, providing sustainable solutions for disease control in agriculture.