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Potent Nematicidal Activity of Maleimide Derivatives on Meloidogyne incognita
Kodjo Eloh1, Monica Demurtas1, Manuel Giacomo Mura1
1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari , via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
Abstract:
Different maleimide derivatives were synthesized and assayed for their in vitro activity on the soil inhabiting, plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, also known as root-knot nematode. The compounds maleimide, N-ethylmaleimide, N-isopropylmaleimide, and N-isobutylmaleimide showed the strongest nematicidal activity on the second stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode with EC50/72h values of 2.6 ± 1.3, 5.1 ± 3.4, 16.2 ± 5.4, and 19.0 ± 9.0 mg/L, respectively. We also determined the nematicidal activity of copper sulfate, finding an EC50 value of 48.6 ± 29.8 mg/L. When maleimide at 1 mg/L was tested in combination with copper sulfate at 50 mg/L, we observed 100% mortality of the nematodes. We performed a GC-MS metabolomics analysis after treating nematodes with maleimide at 8 mg/L for 24 h. This analysis revealed altered fatty acids and diglyceride metabolites such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and 1-monopalmitin. Our results suggest that maleimide may be used as a new interesting building block for developing new nematicides in combination with copper salts.
Insights
Maleimide derivatives show potent nematicidal activity against root-knot nematodes. Combining maleimide with copper sulfate resulted in 100% mortality, suggesting a new strategy for developing effective nematicides.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Nematology
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), cause significant crop damage worldwide.
- Current nematicides face challenges including environmental persistence and resistance development.
- There is a continuous need for novel, effective, and potentially safer nematicidal agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate the in vitro nematicidal activity of various maleimide derivatives against Meloidogyne incognita.
- To assess the synergistic effect of maleimide in combination with copper sulfate.
- To investigate the metabolic alterations induced by maleimide treatment in nematodes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of maleimide derivatives: maleimide, N-ethylmaleimide, N-isopropylmaleimide, and N-isobutylmaleimide.
- In vitro nematicidal assays to determine EC50/72h values against second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita.
- Combination testing of maleimide and copper sulfate.
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolomics analysis.
Main Results:
- Maleimide, N-ethylmaleimide, N-isopropylmaleimide, and N-isobutylmaleimide exhibited significant nematicidal activity with EC50/72h values ranging from 2.6 to 19.0 mg/L.
- Copper sulfate showed moderate activity with an EC50 of 48.6 mg/L.
- A combination of maleimide (1 mg/L) and copper sulfate (50 mg/L) achieved 100% mortality of nematodes.
- Metabolomics analysis revealed alterations in fatty acid and diglyceride metabolism, including oleic acid, palmitic acid, and 1-monopalmitin.
Conclusions:
- Maleimide derivatives possess promising nematicidal properties against root-knot nematodes.
- The synergistic effect observed with copper sulfate suggests a potential for developing novel combination nematicides.
- Maleimide's mode of action may involve disruption of lipid metabolism in nematodes.
- Maleimide represents a potential building block for the development of new nematicidal agents.
