Structure-activity relationships of benzoic acid derivatives as antifeedants for the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis.
Aromatic organic compounds found in the feces of the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been shown to deter feeding behavior in this species, which is a serious pest of planted conifer seedlings in Europe. We evaluated 55 benzoic acid derivatives and a few homologs as antifeedants for H. abietis. Structure-activity relationships were identified by bioassaying related compounds obtained by rational syntheses of functional group analogs and structural isomers. We identified five main criteria of efficiency as antifeedants among the benzoic acid derivatives. By predicting optimal structures for H. abietis antifeedants, we attempted to find a commercial antifeedant to protect conifer seedlings against damage by H. abietis in regenerating forests. New, highly effective antifeedants are methyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate, isopropyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate, methyl 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate, methyl (3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)acetate, and methyl (2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)acetate. Of these, methyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate and isopropyl 2,4-dimethoxybenzoate have the highest antifeedant indices of all substances tested and are the best candidates for practical applications in order to protect planted seedlings in the field.
Unelius
C Rikard
CR
Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, University of Kalmar, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden. rikard.unelius@hik.se
Nordlander
Göran
G
Nordenhem
Henrik
H
Hellqvist
Claes
C
Legrand
Sacha
S
Borg-Karlson
Anna-Karin
AK
D000438:Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001565:Benzoates / Q000494:pharmacology; D019817:Benzoic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000494:pharmacology; D028223:Pinus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000469:parasitology*; D024301:Plant Bark / Q000187:drug effects / Q000469:parasitology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D048889:Weevils / Q000187:drug effects*
D000438:Alcohols; D001565:Benzoates; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; D019817:Benzoic Acid