Pest Management Science最新文献

{"title":"Development and characterization of an eco-friendly plant extract-loaded nanoemulsion for pest control.","authors":"Zitao Yang,Liangui Luo,Yufei Ji,Wanggen Tang,Yingxin Zhang,Xizhong Yan,Li Ma,Xingtao Qie","doi":"10.1002/ps.70095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70095","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDPhyma leptostachya is a traditional insecticidal plant that has been employed as a natural insecticide for the control of various pests. Nanotechnology possesses transformative potential in the field of crop protection and contributes to the optimal utilization and outstanding performance of plant extracts. Hence, the preparation process of P. leptostachya extract-loaded nanoemulsions was investigated in this study, as well as the aphicidal activity and safety to non-target organisms.RESULTSNanoemulsion formulated with the emulsifier EL-60 demonstrated superior stability. Furthermore, the stability of these nanoemulsions was found to enhance with increasing emulsifier concentrations, ranging from 1% to 5%. The optimized formulation of nanoemulsion was formed as follows: 0.2% P. leptostachya extract, 2% S-200, 3% EL-60, and 94.8% deionized water. Finally, P. leptostachya extract-loaded nanoemulsion showed excellent insecticidal activity against Acyrthosiphon pisum with LC50 0.2267 mg/mL at 24 h. The LC50 of nanoemulsion to earthworm was much higher than 10 mg/kg dried soil, indicating nanoemulsion has good safety. In addition, nanoemulsion had no effect on the plant height of Vicia faba and bolster its antioxidant systems.CONCLUSIONThis research has enabled the design and fabrication of nanoemulsions loaded with P. leptostachya extract, which serve as a novel insecticide aimed at enhancing insecticidal efficacy with low toxicity that is beneficial to the sustainable control of pests. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidinone mesoionic compounds containing dithioacetal moiety: design, synthesis, insecticidal/antiviral activity and mechanism.","authors":"Duanpu Wu,Shimei Mu,Ying Xu,Li Yang,Qing Li,Shouhuan Xiao,Deyu Hu,Jian Zhang","doi":"10.1002/ps.70090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70090","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDBean aphid (Aphis craccivora) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests, causing direct harm by sucking plant sap and indirect damage by transmitting various plant viruses, such as potato virus Y (PVY). Extensive and prolonged use of neonicotinoid insecticides has led to severe resistance in A. craccivora. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and highly effective insecticides to control aphids.RESULTSA series of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidinone compounds containing a dithioacetal moiety were designed and synthesized, and their biological activities were evaluated. Compound J1 demonstrated a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 3.51 μg/mL against A. craccivora, comparable with that of triflumezopyrim (LC50 = 3.95 μg/mL). The 50% effective concentrations (EC50) values for the anti-PVY protective activity of compounds J1 and J18 were 264.55 and 225.45 μg/mL, respectively, better than those of ningnanmycin (EC50 = 428.11 μg/mL) and vanisulfane (EC50 = 309.46 μg/mL). The results of proteomic analysis, reactive oxygen species generation rate assays, and enzyme activity indicated that compound J1 may act on the central nervous system of A. craccivora, inducing mitochondrial damage in neurons and ultimately leading to pest mortality. In addition, compound J1 markedly enhanced the activity of defense enzymes and regulated the plant hormone signaling pathways in Nicotiana tabacum cv. k326, thereby strengthening the plant's defense response and disease resistance against PVY.CONCLUSIONCompound J1 demonstrated potent aphicidal efficacy and remarkable anti-PVY protective properties, offering novel insights for the integrated management of A. craccivora and the PVY they transmit. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adsorption of non‐systemic pesticide chlorothalonil on grape cuticles and dewaxed grape cuticles: elucidating the role of wax","authors":"Huihui Wang, Yuhang Du, Aying Wen, Shaofeng Yuan, Hang Yu, Weirong Yao","doi":"10.1002/ps.70098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70098","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDCuticular wax is vital for preventing pesticide migration into fruit tissue, yet interactions between pesticides and wax components remain unclear. This study investigated the adsorption of non‐systemic pesticide chlorothalonil on grape cuticles and dewaxed grape cuticles to quantify wax contributions and elucidate the interaction between chlorothalonil and wax components.RESULTSThe wax was distributed on the surface of the grape cuticles with higher lipophilicity. The distinct chlorothalonil adsorption behaviors on grape cuticles (featuring heterogeneous and multilayer chemical adsorption) and dewaxed grape cuticles (featuring homogeneous and monolayer physical adsorption) were attributed to the presence of wax. Wax accounted for 40.36% of the total grape cuticle content and contributed 67.47% to the chlorothalonil adsorption capacity, indicating that wax was the main site for chlorothalonil adsorption. Through wax analysis and molecular docking, hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid were considered as the major contributors, primarily engaging in hydrophobic interactions with chlorothalonil. Furthermore, gradual fluorescence quenching of chlorothalonil was observed with increasing concentrations of these acids (both below saturation concentrations, <jats:italic>r</jats:italic> = 0.99), confirming the intermolecular interaction between chlorothalonil and these acids.CONCLUSIONThe study clarified the residue behavior in fruit cuticles and the interaction between pesticides and cuticular wax. The findings provide important insights for optimizing pesticide application strategies to reduce pesticide residues in fruits and improve pest management efficiency. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A highly specific and ultrasensitive approach to detect Hylurgus ligniperda based on RPA-CRISPR-LbaCas12a-LFD system.","authors":"Zhashenjiacan Bao,Xiaoxiao Chang,Ling Cheng,Wei Lin,Weihan Xu,Juan Shi","doi":"10.1002/ps.70099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70099","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDHylurgus ligniperda is an invasive bark beetle that poses a serious threat to global coniferous forests and the timber trade. Its broad host range, high reproductive potential, and strong environmental adaptability enable it to establish and spread rapidly in newly invaded regions. In October 2020, H. ligniperda was first reported in Shandong Province, China. Developing a rapid, sensitive, and accurate field detection method is critical for early interception and effective management.RESULTSWe developed a detection method for H. ligniperda based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a, with results monitored via fluorescence signals and lateral flow dipstick (LFD). The mitochondrial COI gene was selected as the target sequence, and key parameters-including incubation time, temperature, and concentrations of Cas12a protein and CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-were optimized. The RPA-CRISPR-LbaCas12a-LFD assay exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, successfully distinguishing H. ligniperda from five closely related species, and detecting target DNA at concentrations as low as 1 copy per μL. Finally, The field applicability of the detection system was validated using samples from global geographic populations.CONCLUSIONThis study establishes a portable, rapid, and sensitive visual detection system for H. ligniperda based on RPA-CRISPR-LbaCas12a-LFD, suitable for both laboratory and field applications. The method enables field detection without the need for specialized equipment, offering a robust tool for invasive pest surveillance, port quarantine, and early warning. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insecticides outweigh rye cover crop in triggering secondary pest outbreaks","authors":"Zeus Mateos‐Fierro, Ashley Leach, Ian Kaplan","doi":"10.1002/ps.70109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70109","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDBroad‐spectrum insecticides are extensively used to control pests and secure crop yields. However, insecticides may have unintended effects on natural enemies (e.g., predators and parasitoid wasps) and secondary pests. Cover crops can also be used as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to protect natural enemies and avoid secondary pest outbreaks. Yet, some pests can use cover crops as green bridges to colonize the crop. We explored the use of rye in commercial watermelon fields, with three intensity levels employed by growers: (i) no rye, (ii) 1:3 rye‐watermelon ratio and (iii) 1:1 rye‐watermelon ratio. Then, we tested the combined effects of insecticide programs (conventional <jats:italic>vs.</jats:italic> threshold‐based recommendations) and rye use (present <jats:italic>vs.</jats:italic> absent) at three research farms over 2 years.RESULTSIn both the on‐farm survey and research‐plot trial, rye weakly affected arthropods, with no impacts on cucumber beetles or natural enemies and marginally positive and negative effects on spider mites and melon aphids, respectively. In contrast, conventional insecticide programs in the research‐plot trial effectively controlled the main watermelon pest (striped cucumber beetle) but triggered 45.5 and 21.2% population increases in spider mite and melon aphid, respectively, while natural enemies decreased by 82.3% compared to threshold recommendations. Watermelon yield and quality were generally unaffected by treatments.CONCLUSIONWe show that insecticide practices are more relevant in shaping arthropod dynamics than cover crops in watermelon. Our study highlights the importance of IPM to protect natural enemies, prevent pest outbreaks, minimize costs on unnecessary insecticide applications and enhance sustainable agriculture. © 2025 The Author(s). <jats:italic>Pest Management Science</jats:italic> published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional chitinases enhancing Pinus massoniana resistance to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.","authors":"Min Li,Ting Yang,Ying Pei,Ming Xu,Yue Li,Lichao Wang,Die Zhu,Guanyi Cheng,Fengmao Chen","doi":"10.1002/ps.70105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70105","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDPine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, poses a severe threat to coniferous forests, particularly impacting Pinus massoniana. Chitinases, essential defense-related enzymes, degrade chitin in pathogen cell walls to inhibit infection. However, their roles in conifer resistance against nematodes remain poorly understood. This study investigated the functions of two class IV chitinases, PmChia4-1 and PmChia4-4, in P. massoniana and their potential to bolster defenses against B. xylophilus.RESULTSWe cloned the full-length coding sequences of PmChia4-1 and PmChia4-4 from P. massoniana and confirmed their significant upregulation in response to B. xylophilus infection. Subcellular localization analyses showed their secretion into the apoplast. In vitro bioassays demonstrated that recombinant PmChia4-1 and PmChia4-4 significantly reduced nematode egg hatching rates (33.6% and 28.0%, respectively, compared to 62.4% in controls), and increased juvenile mortality (20.23% and 21.40%, respectively, versus ≈2% in controls). Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing these genes exhibited significantly enhanced basal immune responses against B. xylophilus, characterized by increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and enhanced activities of defense enzymes, including chitinase, peroxidase and catalase.CONCLUSIONOur results reveal critical roles for PmChia4-1 and PmChia4-4 in the defense responses of P. massoniana against B. xylophilus. These findings significantly advance the current understanding of chitinase-mediated mechanisms in conifers, highlighting valuable molecular targets for breeding PWD-resistant pine cultivars, with substantial implications for forestry practices and sustainable management strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"154 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Silencing the serine/threonine kinase Akt gene disrupts reproductive physiology in Sogatella furcifera and confers RNAi‐mediated insect resistance in rice","authors":"Bing Guo, Yiming Wang, Jing Zhang, Wenbing Ding, Hualiang He, Qiao Gao, Hongshuai Gao, Youzhi Li, Lin Qiu","doi":"10.1002/ps.70107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70107","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe white‐backed planthopper (WBPH), <jats:italic>Sogatella furcifera</jats:italic>, is a major destructive pest of rice globally. Plant‐mediated RNA‐interference (RNAi) is an innovative crop protection method where transgenic plants express insect‐specific double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to induce RNAi‐mediated gene silencing in target pests. The serine/threonine kinase <jats:italic>Akt</jats:italic> is a crucial component of the insulin signaling pathway, essential for controlling insect metabolism, growth, and reproduction. However, the molecular mechanism of <jats:italic>Akt</jats:italic> that controls vitellogenesis and oviposition in <jats:italic>S. furcifera</jats:italic> remains obscure.RESULTIn this study, it was characterized that <jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> encodes a 547‐amino acid protein with PH and S_TKc domains. Its messenger RNA (mRNA) expression peaked in 5‐day‐old female adults, with highest levels in the head and fat body. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of <jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> significantly suppressed vitellogenin (<jats:italic>Vg</jats:italic>) expression and impaired ovarian development. Additionally, reducing fecundity and oviposition by over 90%, and decreasing rice damage by more than 60%. Further assessment of <jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> utility <jats:italic>in planta</jats:italic>, a total of 27 transgenic rice plants were generated, with six independent transformants found to contain a single copy of the ds<jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> expression cassette. Consumption of the three transgenic rice lines (A3, A4, A15) with the highest expression of dsRNA‐SfAkt resulted in a significant 35.4–50.0% reduction in WBPH fertility, accompanied by a noticeable decrease in damage to rice seedlings caused by WBPH.CONCLUSIONThese findings elucidate the critical role of <jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> in the reproductive processes of <jats:italic>S. furcifera</jats:italic>. The development of transgenic rice expressing dsRNA targeting <jats:italic>SfAkt</jats:italic> offers a promising strategy for mitigating WBPH infestations and reducing rice crop losses. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research progress on structural modification and action targets of plant‐derived insecticidal active alkaloids","authors":"Hongyu Yu, Tingting Zheng, Hong Li, Jiahui Chen, Heshan Niu, Xuan Tang, Zhaocheng Wang, Xiuyun Zhang","doi":"10.1002/ps.70092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70092","url":null,"abstract":"The severe ‘3R’ problems (Residue, Resistance, Resurgence) associated with synthetic insecticides necessitate eco‐friendly alternatives. Plant‐derived alkaloids, offering ecological compatibility, diverse modes‐of‐action and structural versatility, present promising candidates. This review synthesizes recent advances in the structural modification and insecticidal mechanisms of key plant‐derived alkaloids. For neurotoxic alkaloids, we focus on nicotine (nAChRs agonist; modifications such as bridged‐rings, e.g. cycloxaprid, reduce nontarget toxicity), matrine (Glu‐GABA signaling inhibitor; lactam ring and C‐13/14/15 modifications enhance efficacy) and evodiamine (RyRs activator; ring A/B/D/E substitutions, e.g. F, boost activity). Regarding chronic physiological inhibitors, we cover: piperine (trehalase/chitinase inhibitor disrupting molting; binding pocket optimization) and camptothecin (apoptosis inducer via mitochondrial/DNA damage; lactone ring and C‐7/10 modifications enhance cytotoxicity). The review also summarizes quinine modification strategies and sanguinarine's insecticidal mechanism. Rational structural design, guided by target structures (nAChRs, chitinases) and employing tactics such as bridged‐rings, significantly improves potency [high activity: median lethal concentration (LC<jats:sub>50</jats:sub>) &lt; 50 μg mL<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>], selectivity and stability. While acknowledging synergistic effects in crude extracts, the review emphasizes that standardization and practical application require focus on optimized single bioactive constituents. Targeted structural modification is thus crucial for developing potent, selective and stable next‐generation plant‐derived alkaloid insecticides. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144747282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of human volatiles produced by skin microbiota on Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) taiwana host preference.","authors":"Tengfei Lu,Yuling Zhang,Dan Gou,Haocong Chen,Xiaohui Hou","doi":"10.1002/ps.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70089","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDMidges are widely distributed globally. They can transmit numerous serious diseases when biting hosts. It is crucial for developing more effective midge monitoring and control methods to better understand how host volatiles attract and repel these blood-sucking insects.RESULTSIn this work, volatile substances from human skin were detected by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 25 compounds in relatively high contents were identified from the gauzes adsorbing volatiles of eight volunteers, including ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and acids. Nonanal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and decyl aldehyde were all present in the skin volatiles of the volunteers, at relatively stable and high levels. Our results showed that 0.001% geranylacetone exhibited the highest attraction rate for midges, at ≤72.1%, and that 10% 3-methyl-1-butanol has the highest repellent rate towards midges, reaching 70.7% by behavioral experiments. Thirty-five types of bacteria from the skin surface of the volunteers were identified. It was discovered that 3-methyl-1-butanol was mainly produced by Staphylococcus hominis subsp. novobiosepticus (R2A01-07) with a high rate of 81.898%.CONCLUSIONIn summary, volatile substances can attract or repel midges in the appropriate concentration ranges. Differences in human volatile compounds are mainly regulated by the skin microbiota, which indirectly changes the olfactory behavior of midges by regulating human odor. This work is very helpful for understanding the specific mechanisms underlying the host preference of midges. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144737267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epoxy tetrahydrophthalimides as potential bioactive agents: synthesis and computational study.","authors":"Kariny Bragato Amorim Torrent,Vitor Cunha Baia,Laisa Samarini Gomes,Eloiza Ribeiro Castro,Vânia Maria Teixeira Carneiro,Elson Santiago Alvarenga","doi":"10.1002/ps.70111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70111","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDDue to the growing resistance of weeds to known herbicides, the search for new bioactive substances has been increasing in recent years. Imides belong to an important class of chemical compounds known to present various biological activities such as herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, and bactericide. In this study, the synthesis, purification, structural elucidation, and bioassays of four pairs of epoxy tetrahydrophthalimides 15a-18a and 15b-18b were conducted. Additionally in silico studies were performed to identify potential biological targets for the synthesized compounds.RESULTSThe target compounds were prepared using a four-step synthetic route that starts with a microwave-assisted Diels-Alder reaction between maleic anhydride and isoprene. All synthesized compounds had their phytotoxicity evaluated using germination tests in Petri dishes against Lactuca sativa, Cucumis sativus, Sorghum bicolor and Bidens pilosa. At concentrations of 500 and 300 μm substance 16a presented inhibition of 70% and 66%, respectively, of the aerial parts of sorghum plants, which is higher than that observed for the commercial herbicide S-metolachlor. Molecular docking studies were performed for compounds 15a, 15b, 17a, and 17b, indicating that they form complexes with the mitogen-activated protein kinase 5R92, which shares similar amino acid sequences with those found in plants.CONCLUSIONAll substances caused inhibition or stimulation of seed growth compared to the control. Some substances caused plant growth inhibition superior or equivalent to the commercial herbicide, denoting these imides for the development of new agrochemicals. In silico studies suggest that mitogen-activated protein kinase may be the target of these compounds. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144737266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}