Benzenetriol-Derived Compounds against Citrus Canker

Author(s)

Cavalca, Lucia Bonci ^{[1, 2]} ; Lahive, Ciaran W. ^[2] ; Gijsbers, Fleur ^[1] ; Pavan, Fernando Rogerio ^[3] ; Scheffers, Dirk-Jan ^[1] ; Deuss, Peter J. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Groningen, Groningen Biomol Sci & Biotechnol Inst, Dept Mol Microbiol, NL-9747 AG Groningen - Netherlands

^[2] Univ Groningen, Dept Chem Engn ENTEG, Nijenborgh 4, NL-9747 AG Groningen - Netherlands

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, BR-14800903 Araraquara - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 26, n. 5 MAR 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

In order to replace the huge amounts of copper salts used in citrus orchards, alternatives have been sought in the form of organic compounds of natural origin with activity against the causative agent of citrus canker, the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri. We synthesized a series of 4-alkoxy-1,2-benzene diols (alkyl-BDOs) using 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) as a starting material through a three-step synthesis route and evaluated their suitability as antibacterial compounds. Our results show that alkyl ethers derived from 1,2,4-benzenetriol have bactericidal activity against X. citri, disrupting the bacterial cell membrane within 15 min. Alkyl-BDOs were also shown to remain active against the bacteria while in solution, and presented low toxicity to (human) MRC-5 cells. Therefore, we have demonstrated that 1,2,4-benzenetriol-a molecule that can be obtained from agricultural residues-is an adequate precursor for the synthesis of new compounds with activity against X. citri. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/50216-0 - Using agricultural waste to combat plant pathogens environmental friendly ways to combat Xanthomonas citri
• Grantee: Henrique Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants