Design, synthesis, insecticidal activities and translocation of amino acid-tralopyril conjugates as vectorizing agrochemicals

BACKGROUND

Conjugating amino acid moieties to active ingredients has been recognized as an effective method for improving the precise targeting of the active form to the specific site. Based on the vectorization strategy, a series of amino acid-tralopyril conjugates were designed and synthesized as novel proinsecticide candidates, with the potential capability of root uptake and translocation to the foliage of crops.

RESULTS

Bioassay results showed excellent insecticidal activities of some conjugates, in particular, the conjugates 6b, 6e, and 7e, against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), with equivalent insecticidal activity to chlorfenapyr (CFP). Importantly, conjugate 6e exhibited significantly higher in vivo insecticidal activity against P. xylostella than CFP. Furthermore, the systemic test experiments with Brassica chinensis demonstrated that conjugates 6e and 7e could be transported to the leaves, in contrast to CFP, which remained in the root.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the feasibility of amino acid fragment conjugation as a vectorization strategy for transporting non-systemic insecticides into the leaves of B. chinensis while maintaining in vivo insecticidal activity. The findings also provide insights for subsequent mechanism studies on the uptake and transport of amino acid-insecticide conjugates in plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Vectorizing agrochemicals: enhancing bioavailability via carrier-mediated transport

Systemicity of agrochemicals is an advantageous property for controlling phloem sucking insects, as well as pathogens and pests not accessible to contact products. After the penetration of the cuticle, the plasma membrane constitutes the main barrier to the entry of an agrochemical into the sap flow. The current strategy for developing systemic agrochemicals is to optimize the physicochemical properties of the molecules so that they can cross the plasma membrane by simple diffusion or ion trapping mechanisms. The main problem with current systemic compounds is that they move everywhere within the plant, and this non-controlled mobility results in the contamination of the plant parts consumed by vertebrates and pollinators. To achieve the site-targeted distribution of agrochemicals, a carrier-mediated propesticide strategy is proposed in this review. After conjugating a non-systemic agrochemical with a nutrient (α-amino acids or sugars), the resulting conjugate may be actively transported across the plasma membrane by nutrient-specific carriers. By applying this strategy, non-systemic active ingredients are expected to be delivered into the target organs of young plants, thus avoiding or minimizing subsequent undesirable redistribution. The development of this innovative strategy presents many challenges, but opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.