Benzenetriol-Derived Compounds against Citrus Canker.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Copper salts are widely used in citrus orchards to control citrus canker, caused by *Xanthomonas citri* subsp. *Citri*.
• There is a need for environmentally friendly alternatives to copper-based treatments due to potential ecological impacts.
• Organic compounds of natural origin are being explored for their antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate novel organic compounds as potential replacements for copper salts in managing citrus canker.
• To investigate the antibacterial efficacy of 4-alkoxy-1,2-benzene diols (alkyl-BDOs) against *Xanthomonas citri*.
• To assess the safety profile of these novel compounds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a series of 4-alkoxy-1,2-benzene diols (alkyl-BDOs) from 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) via a three-step route.
• Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of synthesized alkyl-BDOs against *Xanthomonas citri*.
• Assessment of the compounds' stability in solution and their toxicity to human MRC-5 cells.

Main Results:

• The synthesized alkyl-BDOs demonstrated significant bactericidal activity against *X. citri*.
• These compounds were observed to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane within 15 minutes of exposure.
• Alkyl-BDOs maintained their activity in solution and exhibited low toxicity to human MRC-5 cells.

Conclusions:

• 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) is a viable precursor for synthesizing effective antibacterial agents against citrus canker.
• The developed alkyl-BDOs show promise as eco-friendly alternatives to copper salts for citrus canker management.
• Further research into these compounds could lead to sustainable agricultural practices.