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New Chlormequat-Based Ionic Liquids as Plant Resistance Inducers
Rafal Kukawka1,2, Maciej Spychalski1,2, Patrycja Czerwoniec1,3
1Poznan Science and Technology Park, Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation, Ul. Rubiez 46, 61-612 Poznań, Poland.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Novel chlormequat ionic liquids were synthesized, showing enhanced plant resistance to pathogens and reduced toxicity. These compounds activate plant defense mechanisms, offering a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Plant Pathology
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Active agricultural compounds are often acids, including inducers of systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
- Derivatizing these acids into salt forms can improve their physicochemical properties and biological activity.
- Ionic liquids offer a novel approach to creating these improved salt forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel ionic liquids using the chlormequat cation paired with plant resistance-inducing anions.
- To evaluate the biological activity and phytotoxicity of these new ionic liquids.
- To assess their potential for crop protection by activating plant defense responses.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of chlormequat ionic liquids with anions derived from salicylic acid, its chlorinated derivatives, nicotinic acid, and isonicotinic acid.
- Characterization of the synthesized ionic liquids.
- Biological evaluation of SAR induction, defense response activation in tobacco, and reduction of viral infection susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Novel chlormequat ionic liquids were successfully synthesized and characterized.
- These ionic liquids exhibited enhanced biological activity in inducing systemic acquired resistance (SAR) compared to parent acid forms.
- The new compounds demonstrated lower phytotoxicity and effectively activated plant defense responses, reducing viral susceptibility in tobacco.
Conclusions:
- Chlormequat ionic liquids represent a promising class of compounds for agricultural applications.
- These novel salts offer improved efficacy in inducing plant resistance and reduced phytotoxicity.
- Their ability to activate plant defense mechanisms highlights their potential for sustainable crop protection strategies.
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