Non-Traditional Pesticidally Active Compounds

1. Introduction

Several organic compounds have not been approved as applied pesticides showed some useful actions against different pests. They may be considered as cores of new pesticides. Some compounds were prepared and assessed for their pesticidal activities. They showed persuasive effects as fungicides, herbicides (phytocidal effects), nematicides, molluscicides, insecticides as well as rodenticides comparing with commercial pesticides.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Tested chemicals

Both indol-3-acetic acid GRG, El-Gomhouria Drug Company; indole-3-butyric acid, Sisco Research Laboratories, Mumbai, India, and other chemicals and solvents were purchased from El-Gomhouria Drug Company, Egypt. Standards of used herbicide, metribuzin (sencor), (4-amino-6-tert.butyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazin-5-one) and used fungicide metalaxyl, N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl-N-methoxyacetyl)-DL-alaninemethylester were donated by Kafr El-Zayat Company for pesticides, Egypt. Based on [1-2] with modification, some benzotriazole, benzylidine, coumarin, imidazolidine, indole, oxazolone and pyrazole, derivatives were prepared and identified [3-7].

2.2. Instruments

Structural confirmation was carried out by determination of melting points on kofler block; elemental micro analysis (C, H, N, X); IR, UV, NMR and Mass spectroscopy measurements in Microanalytical Center, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. NMR spectra were recorded on Varian Mercury-VX-300 NMR Spectrometer using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as a standard. Mass spectra were recorded on a Schimadzu MS5988-mass spectrometer at 70 ev. Determination of soluble sugars, chlorophyll contents and total soluble phenols (TSP) were done on Unico-1200 Spectrophotometer. Both enzymatic activity and nucleic acids contents were measured using Nicolet 100 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Thermo Electron Corporation.

2.3. Tested fungi

Wood decay fungi, Coriolus versicolor (Linnaeus) Quélet, strain CTB 863 and Gloeophyllumtarbeum (Persoo ex Fries) Murrill, strain BAM Ebw. 109 were provided from Laboratory of Wood Technology, Ghent University, Belgium. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium calmorum, F. oxysporum, Helmintho-sporium sp, Macroformina phaseoli, Pythium debarianum, and Rhizoctonia solani were provided by Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.

2.4. Tested animals

Albino norway rats strain (Rattus norvegicus var. albus) were taken from the Laboratory of Rodents, Department of Pesticide Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. Spodopteralittoralis Boisd strain was grown in the breeding sector of Pesticide Chemistry Department, Faculty of agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. Thepa pisana and Eobaniavermiculata Muller snails, family Heliecidae were collected from gardens of Faculty of Agriculture, AlexandriaUniversity.

Through these studies, In vitro antifungal assessment of the tested compounds was conducted using a mycelial radial growth technique [8-9].Inhibition percent and IC₅₀ (the concentration caused 50% inhibition) values of the hyphal growth were calculated [10-11]. Significance was elucidated through three-way ANOVA completely randomized Student-Newman-Keuls Test. In vivo determination of polyphenoloxidase [12], Peroxidase [13] activities and DNA and RNA contents [14] were conducted. Protein content (mg) [15] and the specific activities of all treatments were calculated. Insecticidal activity was tested on both the 4^th and 6^th larval instars of S. littoralis Boisd. The tested larvae were reared on a semi artificial growing medium [16-17]. Mortality percents were calculated.

Seed treatment was carried out according to [18]. Toxic effects on the seedling stage (after germination) of both root and shoot systems using the plain agar was done according to [19]. In dried wheat seedlings, total soluble sugars (T.S.S), reducing sugars (R.S) and non-reducing sugars (non-R.S) expressed as g/g dried plant were determined [20]. Chlorophyll (a and b) contents were calculated in µg/g tissue fresh weight [21]. Total soluble phenolics were determined as mg gallic acid equivalent (mg GAE)/g fresh weight [22-23]. Mortality test was carried out on Albino norway rats strain (Rattus norvegicus var. albus) by (No-choice test) [24]. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb%) was determined according to [25], using Boehring Mannhein Gm bH Diagonestic Kit. Haematocrit value (Hc%), white blood cells (WBCs) and red blood cells (RBCs) were counted [26]. In vivo determination of alanine transaminase (sALT) and aspartate transaminase (sAST) activities were carried out based on [27] using Boehringer Mannhein Gm bH Diagonestic Kits. Effects of the prepared compounds could be summarized in the following points:

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Fungicidal activity of some indole derivatives [7]

In the vast heterocyclic structural space, the indole nucleus occupies a position of major importance as antimicrobial agents. Combination of IAA (at 100 µg/ml) withCryptococcus laurentii suppressed blue and gray mold infections on pear fruit more than C. laurentii alone [28]. It exhibited antifungal activity against Gibberella pulicaris suppressing the dry rot infection of wounded potatoes optimally when combined with phenylacetic acid and tyrosol [29]. Its 5-methoxy- derivative and 1H-indole-4,7-diones showed antifungal and antibacterial activities against several species [30-31]. So, besides, both indol-3-acetic acid and indol-3-butyric acid, purchased from El-Gomhouria Drug Company, Egypt, Six indole derivatives: 1-benzoyl indole-3-acetic acid, 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid, 1-benzoylindole-3-butyric acid, 2-phenylindole, 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole and 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole were prepared and structurally confirmed. Their fungicidal effects against the damping off fungi as a very important economical group threating several crops like Fusarium calmorum, Rhizoctonia solani,Pythiumdebarianum and Macrofomina phasoli that causes post harvest fruits rotting were compared with the technical grade of metalaxyl (Radomil). As shown in Table (1), against F. calmorum, derivatives of 2-phenylindole were more effective than the standard fungicide. 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid appeared the most active. The other derivatives were less effective than metalaxyl. M. phaseoli was affected with less toxicity degree. 1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole slackened in its effect to less than the standard. Fungicidal activity was increased against P. debarianum in all cases in comparison to F. calmorum. 2-Phenylindole, 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole and 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole inhibited its hyphal growth with IC₅₀ values equaled 17.7, 15 and 81 g/ml, respectively in comparison to 211 g/ml of the standard fungicide. 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid was very active with IC₅₀ value equaled 19 g/ml. R. solani appeared tolerant than other fungi for all compounds including the standard. From the mentioned results, fungicidal activity proved to be a function of both treated fungus and the structure. P. debarianum was the most sensitive, followed by F. calmorum, R. solani and M. phaseoli. Their hyphal growth was inhibited with Mean SE equaled 35.52 2.16, 30.02 1.99, 28.02 1.66 and 25.31 1.49 g/ml, respectively with significant differences. Regarding the structure activity relationship, acylation of the natural auxin enhanced its fungicidal activity. Substitution with a 1-benzoyl moiety in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) slightly increased the activity although in case of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) it showed no significant effect. Acetylation of IBA strongly multiplied the activity against all tested fungi. Replacing the 3-aliphatic chain with 2-phenyl moiety firmly improved the toxicity against all the treated fungi. While benzoylation of 2-phenylindole decreased its activity, acetylation maintained its toxicity high. Based on statistical analysis, 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid, 2-phenylindole, 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole and 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole exhibited their inhibition with Mean SE equaled 44.65 3.91, 43.07 3.32, 42.36 3.38 and 31.02 2.76 g/ml, respectively surpassing the standard fungicide with 29.05 2.46 g/ml. The other structures were less effective than the standard fungicide. The effect on hypha growth agreed with [32] who referred the reduction of mycelial dry weight and protein content of F. oxysporum lycopersici to IAA. It also inhibited M. phaseolina mycelial growth invitroand reduced the charcoal rot disease both in field and greenhouse [33]. Polyphenoloxidase in R. solani systematically responded to 2-phenylindole with IC₅₀ equaled 80.27 g/ml. 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid inhibited it with 39% at the lowest concentration, followed by activation with 78.9 and 84% of control at 1.0 and 2.0 IC₅₀ values, respectively. 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid was more effective than 2-phenylindole inhibiting it with 41.5 and 80.2 g/ml IC₅₀ values comparing with 87.6 and 117.2 g/ml, respectively in case of F. calmorum and M. phaseoli. While P. debarianum enzyme activity was inhibited by 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid with IC₅₀ equaled 45.6 g/ml, 2-phenylindole enhanced it with activating concentration of 50% (AC₅₀) equaled 35.1 g/ml. Regarding peroxidase, in R. solani it was activated with AC₅₀ equaled 14.5 and <11.7 g/ml in case of 2-phenylindole and 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid, respectively. Both the two compounds exhibited narrow ranged inhibitory effects against the enzyme from P. debarianum. While in M. phaseoli treatment, the enzyme was activated systematically with 1-acetyl indole-3-butyric acid with AC₅₀ < 5.9 g/ml, 2-phenylindole affected it from -39 to 54.3 % inhibition regularly with increasing its concentration. It affected the activity of F. calmorum enzyme from 85.0 to -115.3 % inhibitions within its concentration range. This activity was inhibited with 2-phenylindole with IC₅₀ equaled 49.9 g/ml. On the other sight, both RNA and DNA contents were affected. Both RNA and DNA molecules are related to each other, so the results obtained were exhibited in systematic response. In F. calmorum, RNA and DNA contents as compared with control (51.5 and 49.5 mg/liter) were found to be reduced at the tested IC₅₀ rates of 2-phenylindole. This reduction was increased with increasing the tested concentration to 0.5 IC₅₀ then RNA content was dramatically increased to 26.3 and 24.7 mg/liter and DNA content was increased to 25.3 and 23.8 mg/liter at 1 and 2 IC₅₀. RNA and DNA contents in R. solani highly increased and reached to the maximum peak of increase at 1.0 IC₅₀ of 2-phenylindole. RNA and DNA contents in M. phasoli were reduced to less than 50% of control at the tested rates. They changed from 8.3 to 5.9 and from 8.0 to 5.7 mg/liter comparing with 16.1 and 15.5 mg/liter of control. These contents of P. deparianum behaved the same trend of these in M. phasoli changing from 30.6 to 11.4 and from 29.4 to 10.9 mg/liter comparing with 32.2 and 31 mg/liter of control.

1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid affected both RNA and DNA contents differently according to the tested fungus and concentration. It reduced them in F. calmorum in systematic arrangement at all the tested IC₅₀ rates comparing with control. While RNA and DNA contents in M. phasoli were decreased by increasing the tested rate with systematical arrangement. This decreasing effect was noticed in all fungi. Their contents were reduced from 45.4 to 20.3 and 43.6 to 19.5 mg/L in case of F. calmorum, they were reduced from 12.9 to 6.7 and from 11.7 to 6.5 in case of M. phaseolicomparing with 51.5, 49.5, 16.1 and 15.5 of their control, respectively. While the contents from P. debarianum were decreased untill 0.5 IC₅₀ and increased again at the two highest concentration rates, they were systematically increased with increasing the concentration in case of R. solani. General descriptive analysis proved that 2-phenylindole affected M. phasoli significantly greater than P. debarianum with (8.42 ± 0.86 and 25.05 ± 1.84) and (8.08 ± 0.83 and 24.1 ±1.78) mg/liter means ± SE of RNA and DNA contents. Although there was no significant difference between R. solani and F. calmorum, they differed significantly from the other tested fungi with (29.2 ± 2.55 and 29.23 ± 0.55) and (28.12 ± 2.45 and 28.16 ± 0.42) mg/liter of RNA and DNA contents. The same arrangement was exhibited in treatment with 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid except achieving a significant difference among all the tested fungi. RNA contents were 10.57 ± 0.78, 23.01 ± 1.61, 28.57 ± 1.07 and 34.31 ± 2.61 mg/liter, while DNA contents were 10.09 ± 0.73, 22.07 ± 1.53, 27.52 ± 1.01 and 33.0 ± 2.51 mg/liter in case of M. phasoli, P. debarianum¸ R. solani and F. calmorum, respectively. Comparing with the untreated fungus, all sugar types in M. phasoli were reduced at 2-phenylindole concentrations with non-systematic arrangement. R. solani sugars contents were strongly multiplied at 0.1 and 0.25 IC₅₀ concentrations, followed by a firm decrease at 0.5 IC₅₀ and this reduction was increased at 1.0 IC_50. This effect was differed from the effect of 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid as both reduced and non-reduced sugars were systematically decreased with increasing the concentration. Reduced, non-reduced and total soluble sugars were in vivo affected with the two studied compounds in a treated fungus and concentration dependent effect.

Scheme 1.

Preparation of Compounds 1-8

TF	(^2	Slope ( S.E	IC50 (95%C L) (g/ml	Treatment	Treated fungus
2.19	4.75	0.6 0.005	420 (222 – 823)	Indole-3-acetic acid ^d *	F. calmorum
2.72	7.04	0.87 0.011	523 (322 – 859)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-acetic acid ^c
3.00	2.78	1.28 0.025	576 (388 – 858)	Indole-3-butyric acid ^a
0.14	4.54	1.41 0.01	26.6 (21.3 –33.3)	1-Acetyl indole-3-butyric acid ^i
2.67	1.29	1.03 0.015	513 (335 – 793)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-butyric acid ^b
0.35	8.57	1.11 0.008	67.4 (53.0- 85.8)	2-Phenylindole ^h
0.45	5.33	0.98 0.007	86.7 (66.4 – 113)	1-Acetyl-2-phenylindole ^g
0.52	0.63	1.02 0.008	99.9 (77 – 129.9)	1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole ^f
1.0	3.6	0.69 0.006	192 (126 – 296)	Metalaxyl ^e
4.66	2.83	0.81 0.011	807 (440 – 1514)	Indole-3-acetic acid ^a	M.phaseoli
3.30	2.99	0.97 0.014	572 (359 – 923)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-acetic acid ^d
4.03	1.28	1.38 0.003	699 (458 – 1073)	Indole-3-butyric acid ^b
0.34	3.87	1.21 0.009	59.0 (47.0 – 74)	1-Acetyl indole-3-butyric acid ^f
2.59	2.62	1.38 0.026	448 (325 – 622)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-butyric acid ^c
0.55	8.1	1.06 0.008	96 (74.6- 123.4)	2-Phenylindole ^i
0.54	7.78	1.03 0.008	93 (71.7 – 120.0)	1-Acetyl-2-phenylindole ^h
2.05	2.18	1.02 0.001	355 (247 – 514)	1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole ^g
1.00	4.78	0.93 0.008	173 (127 –237.6)	Metalaxyl ^e
1.43	3.76	0.93 0.001	301 (207.9- 438)	Indole-3-acetic acid ^b	P.debarianum
0.81	3.96	0.91 0.008	171 (125 – 236)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-acetic acid ^b
1.18	9.33	0.98 0.001	249 (179 – 349)	Indole-3-butyric acid ^d
0.09	1.72	1.1 0.006	19 (14.4 – 24.8)	1-Acetyl indole-3-butyric acid ^g
2.31	0.46	1.0 0.14	488.4 (319 –753)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-butyric acid ^a
0.08	0.48	0.67 0..004	17.7 (11.8 –26.4)	2-Phenylindole ^f
0.07	2.15	0.61 0.004	15.0 (9.5 – 23.2)	1-Acetyl-2-phenylindole ^g
0.38	3.99	0.73 0.005	81 (57.2 – 115)	1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole ^e
1.00	1.03	0.80 0.007	211 (145 – 310)	Metalaxyl ^c
4.36	4.42	0.94 0.016	1009 (539–1923)	Indole-3-acetic acid ^c	R.solani
5.38	9.08	0.71 0.008	1244 (633–2515)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-acetic acid ^c
2.78	2.38	0.79 0.01	644 (368 – 1151)	Indole-3-butyric acid ^a
0.51	6.1	1.57 0.018	117 (97.6 – 141)	1-Acetyl indole-3-butyric acid ^i
2.87	2.64	0.79 0.01	663 (377 – 1192)	1-Benzoyl indole-3-butyric acid ^b
0.15	7.14	0.81 0.005	34.6 (25.1 –47.5)	2-Phenylindole ^h
0.16	1.79	0.85 0.005	37.5 (27.6 –50.7)	1-Acetyl-2-phenylindole ^f
0.53	3.31	1.0 0.008	122.2 (93 –161)	1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole ^d
1.00	3.21	0.98 0.01	231 (167.7 –321)	Metalaxyl ^e

Table 1.

In Vitro fungicidal activity of indole derivatives

It could be concluded that 2-phenylindole and 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid affected both RNA and DNA contents in the tested fungi, which may develop deformed and dead cells. These effects of indole acetic acid and some derivatives are due to formation of 3-methylene-2-oxindole, which may conjugate with DNA bases and protein thiols [34]. There were highly effective against polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities that means disturbance in the cell physiology as [28] revealed that IAA alone or with C. laurentii stimulated catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities of pear fruit. The studied indole derivatives may affect the treated fungi in another site of action as [35] found that IAA and IBA greatly increase somatic segregation in Aspergillus nidulans and increasing their concentrations increased mitotic segregation of the fungus.

3.2. Insecticidal activity of the prepared indole derivatives [36]

The Egyptian cotton leaf-worm, S. littoralis (Boisd.) is an important polyphagous insect attacking several crops and ornamentals worldwide. Persuasive effects against it were referred to plant alkaloids [37-39]. So, this study aimed to examine the indole derivatives against its stages.

Lethal effects

The tested compounds were more effective against the 4^th larval instar than the 6^th instar after 5 days except 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid (3) and 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole (7). The effect was increased after nine days in all cases. 1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole (8) was less effective on the 6^th instar. 2-Phenyl indole (6) and its 1-acetyl derivative (7) were more effective on the 6^th instar. Lethal effects were increased in all tested compounds against 6^th instar except for compounds 2 and 5. It was also found that substitution of compound 3 raised the toxicity on the 6^th instar. The increase due to its acetylation was greater than benzoylation. Substitution of 2-phenyl moiety on the indole ring in stead of side aliphatic carboxylic group increased the larval mortality in case of compound 6 more than in indole-3-acetic acid (1). Substitution with 1-acetyl on 2-phenylindole multiplied the lethality against the two tested larval instars, while substitution with 1-benzoyl in compound 8 enhanced the toxicity only against the 4^th larval instar. The most effective compound was indole-3-butyric acid (2) with 70.9 and 39.7 g/gm LC₅₀ values on the 4^th instar after 9 and 13 days, while 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid (3) and 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole (7) were more effective with 151.4 and 80.6 g/gm LC₅₀ values against the 6^th instar. So, compounds 2, 3 and 7 were chosen for egg treatment.

Sub-lethal effects (Fresh body weight)

The larval weight of the 4^th instar (after 7 days) was differently affected with the applied derivatives. Benzoylation of indole-3-acetic acid in compound 4 affected the larval weight in non systematic arrangement with concentrations. Acetylation of indole-3-butyric acid in compound 3 reduced the larval weight at 50 and 100 µg/gm, followed by an increase at higher concentrations. On the contrary, its benzoyl derivative (compound 5) increased the larval weight at lower concentration, followed by reduction at the two higher concentrations. Light reduction occurred at low concentrations, followed by gradual activation with increasing the concentration, which was exhibited by compound 6. Substitution with 1-acetyl moiety in compound 7 increased the larval weight at low concentration followed by inhibition percents ranging from 3.2 to 18.5% of control at 100-1000 µg/gm. Benzoylation of 2-phenylindole in compound 8 decreased the reduction effect more than compound 7. Comparing with the untreated 6^th larval weight (0.77 gm) after two days, all the tested compounds reduced the treated larval weight at all concentrations with different degrees and arrested their development to 7 days after treatment. Compounds 1 and 2 showed narrow differences among their concentrations with less reducing effect, followed by compounds 8,6, 5 and 7. Compounds 3 and 4 were the most active derivatives in weight reduction. From these results, the hormonal effect was obviously clear through the activation of larval weight in most cases when applied earlier at the 4^th instar more than at the 6^th instar (Figure 1).

Development

Untrated 4^th instar larvae developed to pupal and adult stages after 6-7 and 9-10 days, respectively. Indole-3-acetic acid (1) at 10 µg/gm delayed this development to 29 and 45 days, respectively. However, the other compounds were less effective causing developing of 50, 10, 75, 92, 13, 63, and 83% of the treated larvae to pupae in case of compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively after 21 days. While, compounds 5 and 7 caused complete transformation of the treated population to adults, compounds 2, 4, 6 and 8 caused developing of 75, 75, 55 and 67 % of pupae to adults. Compound 3 (1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid) was the most effective structure blocking adult emergence to 25% of the treated population after 45 days. Regarding 6^th larval instar, its control completely developed to the pupal and adult stages after 2-3 and 7-8 days, respectively. All compounds arrested the larval development except compounds 3 and 5, which caused 25 and 18% pupation after 13 days. Compound 1 was the most effective inhibiting the adult emergence, followed by compound (4), 1-benzoylindole-3-butyric acid (5), indole-3-butyric acid (2), 2-phenylindole (6), 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid (3), 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole (8) and 1-acetyl-2-phenylindole (7). They blocked the adult emergence to 7, 14, 31, 33, 39, 46, 48 and 50% of the treated population after 35 days. From the results, the duration of S. littoralis larval stage was significantly affected. It required a longer time to reach next stadium differing from control (Figure 2).

Figure 1.

Effect of the tested compounds on fresh larval weight of S. littoralis; shown as average weight (gm) after 7 days of treatment. 1: Indole-3-acetic acid; 2: Indol-3-butyric acid; 3: 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid; 4: 1-Benzoylindole-3-acetic acid; 5: 1-Benzoylindole-3-butyric acid; 6: 2-Phenylindole; 7: 1-Acetyl-2-phenyl indole; 8: 1-Benzoyl-2-phenyl indole

Malformations

Comparing with the untreated larvae, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited 14.6% and 16.7% malformation in the intermediates of the treated 4^th larval instar at 200 µg/ml, with no effect on 6^th larvae. Acetylation of indole-3-butyric acid in compound 3 affected the intermediates at lower concentrations in the 6^th larval instar, while its benzoylation increased this effect against the 4^th instar only. Acetylation of 2- phenylindole caused 32.6 and 61.1% intermediate malformation at 100 and 200 µg/ml in treated 4^th instar larvae. 1-Benzoyl-2-phenylindole affected 4^th larvae at 10 µg/ml with 7.6% malformation. However, its effect was as high as 10.1% at the higher concentrations against 6^th instar intermediates. These malformation symptoms appeared as larval-pupal intermediates in which the posterior portion of the body only exhibited the pupal shape, while the anterior portion had larval head capsule and thoracic legs (Figure 3). Malformation of the produced pupa (forming abnormal pupa without wings or that failed to shed the larval cuticle) resulted from the 4^th larval instar, which was more sensitive than that from 6^th larval instar to treatment with compounds 1-3, 2-phenylindole (6) and 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole (8). The effects of compounds 4 and 5 depended on the applied concentration. Benzoylation of 2-phenylindole increased the pupae malformation. Adult malformation (adult failed to shed the pupal cuticle or adult with dwarf wings) was affected with the tested compounds, concentration and larval instar. Adult emergence from both treated instars was affected. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 blocked the adult emergence to 10.3 - 47.4%, 16.7 - 50%, 20.2 - 50.6% and 10.6 - 55.7% in systematic arrangement, respectively from 4^th larval populations comparing with 100% of control. The blocking effect was reduced with increasing the concentration. They blocked adult emergence to 25.9-43.7%, 36.8-57.0%, 31.9-40.9% and 32.5-66.9%, respectively in non systematic arrangement in case of the 6^th larval population. Compound 4 caused 9.5-20.8% and 22.9-69.5% adult emergence in case of the treated 4^th and 6^th larval instars, respectively. Although 2-phenylindole and its 1-acetyl derivative affected the adult emergence from both treated instars in non systematic arrangement, its 1-benzoyl derivative blocked the adult emergence with increasing the concentration. Adult emergence was more inhibited from 4^th larval instar treatment indicating that treatment of the lower larval instars gave good results of control (Figure 4).

Effect on eggs

Egg hatchability was inhibited increasingly in systematic arrangement with concentrations. Both 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid (3) and 1-acetyl-2-phenyl-indole (7) completely stopped hatching when mixed at 100 g/gm with the medium. As the untreated egg mass hatched completely within 24 hours, treated eggs took 48-96 hours and 6-7 days at high concentrations of compound 2 and compounds 3&7, respectively. After 48 hours, only dipping the egg masses in solutions of compound 2 inhibited hatching with IC₅₀ value equaled 29.1 g/ml and killed the produced larvae with LC₅₀ value equaled 26.2 g/ml. Transferring treated eggs to the poisoned medium enhanced the toxicity to IC₅₀ equaled 13.2 g/gm and LC₅₀ equaled 15.2 g/gm. Although acetylation of compound 3 decreased larval mortality in dipping technique with or without transferring the eggs to the poisoned medium, it enhanced egg-hatching inhibition when dipped only in the toxic solutions. Although compound 7 was less effective when egg masses were dipped in it, its mixing with the used medium greatly enhanced the effect with IC₅₀ value equaled 15.3 g/gm on egg-hatching and LC₅₀ value equaled 7.5 g/gm on larval mortality. In conclusion, mortality of 4^th instar larvae was increased with increasing the aliphatic side chain. Substitution of N-H of 2-phenylindole raised the toxicity, vice versa in case of indole-3-butyric acid against the same instar. The tested compounds affected larval weight, pupation and adult emergence indicating that treatment induced an effect typical to juvenile hormone excess. These effects varied according to the tested compound. These delayed effects are expressed as developmental abnormalities in the adult stage. These effects may be due to oxidative decarboxylation forming 3-methylene-2-oxindole, which may conjugate with DNA bases and protein thiols [34]. It may be also due to inhibition of cholinesterase [40]. Its effect is associated with cell phenoloxidase (PO) and peroxidase activities [6, 41]. Phenoloxidase (PO) is believed to be a key mediator of immune function in insects.

Figure 2.

Effect on S. littoralis 4^th larval development at 10 g/gm; 1: Indole-3-acetic acid; 2: Indol-3-butyric acid; 3: 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid;4: 1-Benzoylindole-3-acetic acid; 5: 1-Benzoylindole-3-butyric acid; 6: 2-Phenylindole;7: 1-Acetyl-2-phenyl indole; 8: 1-Benzoyl-2-phenyl indole

Figure 3.

Maleformations effects of the tested indole derivatives

This notice may clarify the effect of the tested compounds on adult emergence and pupation. N-H and N-substituted indole-2- and 3-carboxamide showed a strong inhibitory (95-100%) effect on superoxide anion (SOD). Substitution on 1-position of the indole ring caused significant differences between the activity results regarding lipid peroxidation inhibition [42] emphasizing the differences in effects due to the derivative structure.

Figure 4.

Emergence percents of S. littoralis adults produced from treated larvae. Upper, from treated 4^th instar;Lower, from treated 6^th larval instar; Concentrations (g/gm). 1: Indole-3-acetic acid; 2: Indol-3-butyric acid; 3: 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid;4: 1-Benzoylindole-3-acetic acid; 5: 1-Benzoylindole-3-butyric acid; 6: 2-Phenylindole;7: 1-Acetyl-2-phenyl indole; 8: 1-Benzoyl-2-phenyl indole

3.3. Pesticidal activities of some pyrazole derivatives [5]

Due to antimicrobial activity of some 3,5-dimethylpyrazole derivatives [43], 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (1), 1-Benzoyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (2), 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (3) and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-pyrazol-5-one (4) were prepared, structurally confirmed and studied for their effects against Fusarium oxysporum; Pythium debarianumRhizoctonia solani and Macrofomina phaseoli. Metalaxyl (Radomil), methyl- N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl-N-methoxyacetyl)-DL-alaninate (6) was used as a standard fungicide. Their phytocidal effects were determined on both wheat (Triticum aestivum)and squash (Cucurbita pepo) seedlings comparing with metribuzin (sencor), 4-amino-6-tert.butyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazin-5-one (5). Insecticidal effects were evaluated on the 4^th instar of cotton leaf worm, S. littoralis Boisid. Their fungitoxic effects as IC₅₀ values illustrated that comparing with metalaxyl, R. solani was less affected than the other fungi. 3,5-Dimethylpyrazole (1) proved to be moderately toxic with470, 380 and 330 µg/ml IC₅₀ values against P. debarianum, F. calmorum and M. phaseoli, respectively after 6 days exposure, whereas 1-benzoyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (2) reduced the activity against all the tested fungi but 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (3) enhanced the activity against R. solani with IC₅₀ value of 155 µg/ml after 4 days exposure, P. debarianum and M. phaseoli with IC₅₀ values of 68 and 170 µg/ml after 6 days exposure, respectively whereas it was inactive on F. calmorum as its IC₅₀ was >500 µg/ml. On the other hand, 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one (4) caused the toxic effect against R. solani, F.calmorum and M. phaseoli with 100, 440 and 140 µg/ml IC₅₀ values, respectively after the same exposure time. From these results, some of the prepared compounds exceeded the standard fungicide in their effects against the tested fungi under the used experimental conditions.

Chemical structures of pyrazole derivatives and used standard pesticides

Pyrazole derivatives inhibited the growth of root and shoot systems of wheat and squash seedlings differently. Benzoylation of 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (1) decreased its inhibition on wheat shoot system growth, vice versa against its root system. Introducing the 2,4-dinitro- moiety enhanced the toxicity of 3-methyl-1-phenyl pyrazol-5-one (3) on wheat shoot and root systems. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 inhibited cucumber seedlings root system with 95, 109, 95 and 58 µg/ml and its shoot system with 38, 90, 60 and 78 µg/ml, comparing with 115 and 86 µg/ml of metribuzin, respectively. It gave 81 and 52 µg/ml on wheat shoot and root systems. The standard herbicide was less effective than the tested compounds on quash shoot system. Compound 1 was inactive against S. littoralis (Boisid.), its activity slightly increased to 10% mortality by substitution with 1-benzoyl- moiety. The effect became 23% mortality with reduction of palatability to 8.5-50 % of control in case of phenylpyrazol-5-one in. Substitution with 2,4-dinitrophenyl- moiety decreased the activity to 14 % mortality and 50-67 % palatability.

3.4. Pesticidal effects of some imidazolidine and oxazolone derivatives [6]

Actually we were interested to evaluate pesticidal actions of some imidazolidine and oxazolone derivatives as some of them are insecticides, herbicides and fungicides [44]. So three other derivatives of imidazolidine: 5,5-dimethylimidazolidin-2,4-dione, 5,5-diphenylimidazol-idin-2,4-dione and 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-one and two oxazolone derivatives: 4-Benzylidine-2-methyloxazol-5-one and 4-Benzylidine-2-phenyl-oxazol-5-one were prepared and checked for their structure. Their fungicidal, phytocidal and insecticidal effects were carried out as in case of pyrazole derivatives.

Fungicidal activity

Imidazolidine derivatives appeared more effective than the oxazol-5-one derivatives on R. solani depending on the substituent on position 5. 5,5-Dimethyl moiety increased the toxicity of compound 1, 5,5-dimethylimidazol-idin-2,4-dione than 5,5-diphenyl moiety in compound 2, 5,5-diphenylimidazol-idin-2,4-dione with IC₅₀ values of 191.8 and 447.6 g/ml, respectively. Replacing sulfur in compound 3, 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-oneinstead of oxygen at position 2 increased its toxicity with 148.4 IC₅₀ value exceeding the standard fungicide (233.8 g/ml). 2-Phenyl moiety enhanced the toxicity of compound 5, 4-benzylidine-2-phenyl oxazol-5-one more than 2-methyl moiety in compound 4,4-benzylidine-2-methyl oxazol-5-one with 542.0 and 785.3 g/ml, respectively. Vice versa against P. debarianum, compound 5 was the most effective among the other tested compounds with IC₅₀ of 76.9 g/ml. Imidazolidine derivatives were nearly similar or more active than standard in its effect. Compound 3 was more toxic than compounds 1, 2, 4 and the standard fungicide against P. debarianum with IC₅₀ values 156.4, 357.1, 318.7, 516.5 and 334.3 g/ml, respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 were more effective against F. calmorum than others with 306.7 and 314.1 g/ml IC₅₀ values. The standard fungicide exceeded all compounds against F. calmorum. Compound 3 was the most effective against M. phaseoli with 139.0 IC₅₀ value surpassing all compounds including the standard fungicide.

Preparation scheme of compounds 1-5

From the obtained results, fungitoxic activities proved to be a function of both the tested compound and the used fungus. In general, through analysis of variance (ANOVA) of hyphal growth inhibition percents, compound 3, 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-one was the most active against the tested fungi with Mean SE of growth inhibition equaled 34.69^e. The other tested compounds were arranged as Mean SE was 32.742.53^d, 28.672.79^c, 25.082.44^b and 24.652.29^b and 19.932.00^a, respectively in case of standard fungicide, compound 5, compounds 1 and 2, compound 4. P. debarianum was more sensitive than R. solani, F. calmorum and M. phaseoli with Mean inhibition% SE of 29.552.23^d, 27.882.07^c, 27.301.98^b and 25.772.01^a, respectively.

Phytocidal activity

The tested compounds inhibited germination and shoot growth of treated T. aestivum seeds. Compound 5 inhibited shoot growth exceeding the other prepared compounds with EC₅₀ value equaled 98.6 g/ml. Compound 2 surpassed compounds 1, 3 and 4 with EC₅₀ values equaled 154.1, 177.9, 282.6 and 703.4 g/ml, respectively. The tested compounds inhibited germination of treated seeds with EC₅₀ values ranged from 517.3 to 726.8 g/ml. Metribuzin as a standard herbicide was the most effective inhibiting germination and shoot growth with EC₅₀ values of 92.4 and 54.8 g/ml. As a result of being these compounds more effective on seedling shoot growth than on germination process, they were tested against both the root and shoot systems of pregerminated seeds of wheat (T. aestivum) as a narrow leaf plant and squash (C. pepo) as abroad leaf plant. Compound 1 showed the lowest effect, followed by compound 4 against both the root and shoot systems of T. aestivum. Compound 3 exhibited the strongest effect with EC₅₀ values equaled 25.2 and 35.6 g/ml on root and shoot comparing with 53.6 and 60.6 g/ml of the used standard herbicide. Differences in the tested compounds controlled their effect on the broad leaf plant. The standard herbicide proved to be the most active with EC₅₀ values equaled 104.1 and 113.7 g/ml and compound 5 was the next with 274.1 and 203.6 g/ml EC₅₀ values on its root and shoot systems growth. While compound 4 was less effective with 886.9 and 613.7 EC₅₀ values against the root and shoot systems,the other tested compounds affected this plant with EC₅₀ values ranged from 320.2 to 437.7 g/ml.

Insecticidal activity

The tested compounds exhibited low mortality on 24 hours treated S. littoralis larvae. Among the studied imidazolidine derivatives, compound 2 affected it with LC₅₀ value equaled 867.3 g/ml inhibiting the feeding activity with effective concentration on 50% (EC₅₀) equaled 31.78 g/ml. The other two derivatives caused very weak mortal effects and inhibited feeding with EC₅₀ values equaled 3200 and 3489.9 g/ml in case of compounds 1 and 3, respectively. Regarding the oxazolone derivatives, although compound 4 exhibited mortality percent as high as 24%, it reduced the feeding with EC₅₀ value equaled376.8 g/ml. The other oxazolone derivative (compound 5) caused LC₅₀ value equaled 659.7 g/ml and reduced the feeding activity with EC₅₀ equaled 982.5 g/ml. So these compounds affected as antifeedants more than as killers against the studied insect and compound 2 was the most effective structure among them (Figure 5).

The tested compounds exhibited phytocidal and fungicidal activities higher than their insecticidal effects. Differences in these compounds could be referred to chemical structure as in imidazolidine derivatives, presence of the 2-thione in compound 3 increased its fungitoxic effect nearly against all of the tested fungi. Substitution of 5,5-dimethyl moiety in compound 1 increased the toxicity more than 5,5- diphenyl moiety in compound 2 against R. solani and F. calmorum fungi. On contrary against P. debarianum and M. phaseoli, they showed almost the same effect. Their insecticidal effects were changed against the treated larvae as compound 2 exceeded the effects of the two other imidazolidine derivatives. Regarding the prepared oxazolones, compound 5 appeared more effective than compound 4 against the tested fungi and larvae. This difference between oxazolone derivatives could be due to the substituted moiety on C-2 position [45] as they revealed that substitution of functional group (s) at C-4 and C-2 positions plays a vital role in oxazolone series activity. They also revealed that oxazolone derivatives demonstrated excellent in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory. Fungitoxic effects of oxazolone derivatives maybe due to their mutagenic potential during in vitro DNA synthesis inducing mainly dAMP insertion [46]. The effect may referred to inhibition of fungal RNA synthetase [47]. In conclusion, compound 3, 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-one was the most useful fungitoxic structure among the prepared compounds and so, it might be useful in controlling plant pathogenic fungi after suitable formulation and helping in integrated management programmes. It also proved to be the most suitable structure for phytotoxicity, especially for the narrow leaf weeds.

Figure 5.

Feeding inhibition on S. littoralis Boisd. 1, 5,5-Dimethylimidazolidin-2,4-dione; 2, 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2,4-dione; 3, 5,5-di-phenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-one; 4, 4-Benzylidine-2-methyloxazol-5-one; 5, 4-benzyl-idine-2-phenyloxazol-5-one.

3.5. Fungicidal effects of certain benzotriazole and coumarin derivatives [48]

To extend the spectrum of newly discovered antifungal compounds facing continuous fungal infections, six benzotriazole derivatives as well as two coumarin derivatives were synthesized, confirmed for their structure and evaluated on F. oxysporum; R. solani; M.phasoli; Helminthosporium sp and Alternaria alternata. Triazole ring was chosen due to discovering some effective fungicidal triazole derivatives [49-51].

In vitro fungitoxicity effects

Effect of the tested 1,2,3-triazole and coumarin derivatives on three soil fungi and two foliar fungi based on their structure differences. 5,6- Dichlorobenzotriazole proved to be highly toxic against R. solani, A. alternata and Helminthosporium sp with IC₅₀ values of 12, 20 and 27 µg/ml and moderately fungitoxic against both M. phasoli and F. oxysporum with IC₅₀ values equaled 53 and 56 µg/ml. Toxicity categories are devised by [52]. However benzotriazole and 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole caused moderate effects against M. phasoli and F. oxysporum as soil fungi, respectively with equal IC₅₀ values (155 µg/ml). 5,6-Dimethyl-, 1-benzoyl-5,6-dimethyl- and 1-benzoyl- benzotriazoles as well as dicoumarol and furopyrone (coumarin derivatives) needed increasing their highest concentration (200 µg/ml) to get 50% inhibition against hyphal growth of all fungi, and in case of 1,2,3-benzotriazole against F. oxysporum and R. solani; and 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole against R. solani and M. phasoli. Helminthosporium sp (foliar fungus) was moderately affected by 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethyl- and 1-benzoyl-5,6-dimethyl- benzotriazoles with IC₅₀ values of 150 and 165 µg/ml, respectively. The other compounds could not reach 50% fungitoxicity against it at the concentration range. A. alternata was also moderately affected by benzotriazole; 1-benzoyl-5,6-dimethyl-; 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethyl- and 5,6-di-methylbenzotriazoles with IC₅₀ values equal 150; 155; 165 and 170 µg/ml, respectively. This fungus was less sensitive to 1-benzoylbezotrtiazole and both coumarin derivatives. However, 5,6-dichloro substituent highly improved the fungitoxic effect of benzotriazole against all tested fungi, comparing with other benzotriazoles in addition to dicoumarol and furopyrone (coumarin derivatives). 1-Benzoylbenzotriazole and coumarin derivatives were less effective against all tested fungi. The weak effects of coumarin derivatives may be due to their classification as mammalian poisons. So, it could be concluded that 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole was very good fungicide against all tested fungi. On the other hand, A. alternata (as a foliar fungus) was moderately affected by the other tested benzotriazoles except 1-benzoylbenzotriazole and coumarin derivatives.

Scheme 2.

Chemical structure of tested triazole and coumarin derivatives

In vivo biochemical effects

1. Effect on polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities

5,6-Dichlorobenzotriazole at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 IC₅₀ rates in µg/ml affected both polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (PO) enzymes for each tested fungi. Their activities were in non-systematic response depending on the type of fungus and concentration. The activity of polyphenoloxidase was highly increased in F. oxysporum; slightly increased in R. solani; weakly increased in M. phasoli with increasing the tested concentration; whereas, in Helmintho-sporium sp its activity weakly increased until 0.5 IC₅₀ then weakly inhibited by IC₅₀ and 2 IC₅₀ rates. In case of A. alternata this enzyme weakly inhibited by 33.2% inhibition at 0.5 IC₅₀ value, then the enzyme was slightly activated with increasing the tested rates to IC₅₀ and 2 IC₅₀. Concerning peroxidase, its activity weakly increased in F. oxysporum at all the tested rates, weakly inhibited in R. solani at the lower two rates then weakly increased. In M. phasoli and A. alternata, peroxidase enzyme was highly inhibited with I₅₀ values equal 39.64 and 5.78 µg/ml, respectively. 5,6-Dichlorobenzotriazole was very effective to inhibit peroxidase enzyme in A. alternata through all the tested rates.

1. Effect on DNA and RNA contents

5,6-Dichlorobenzotriazole at several rates of its IC₅₀ values affected DNA and RNA contents in each tested fungus. In F. oxysporum, DNA and RNA contents as compared with control were reduced at the two lower rates (0.1 and 0.25 of IC₅₀) of 5,6-di-chlorobenzotriazole then increased with increasing the tested rates. On the other hand, their contents in R. solani highly increased more than control reaching the maximum peak at 0.5 IC₅₀ then decreased but still more than control. DNA and RNA contents in both M. phasolina and Helminthosporium sp were decreased with increasing the tested rates of IC₅₀ values. The contents in A. alternata were highly increased with increasing the tested rates of IC₅₀ values. In conclusion, 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole may be useful as a good fungi-cide against all the tested fungi. The 5,6-dichloro- substituent was required to improve benzotriazoles effects against all treated fungi. So, it was highly effective against the activities of polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and DNA and RNA contents.

3.6. Rodenticidal activity of certain benzotriazole and coumarin derivatives [53]

The previously explained benzotriazole and coumarin derivatives were studied also for their rodenticidal effects against the white Noway rat. In fact the two coumarin derivatives might be expected in their effects, while the benzotriazole derivatives were tested to stand on their toxicity related to studied coumarin comparing with Coumachlor, 3-(-acetonyl-4-chlorobenzyl)-4-hydroxy-coumarin as standard anticoagulant rodenticide.

During the baiting of the tested rats (Rattus norvegicus var. albus), the illness symptoms were observed as inactivity, ceasing sounds, closed eyes, bloody face, bleeding and paralysis followed by death. The internal symptoms were also observed as change the colour of liver, kidney, swelling of stomach and lungs with obvious changes, bloody bladder and intestines and the body cavity was intensively bloody. Mortality percents caused by synthesized dicoumarol, furopyrone and 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole increased with increasing the dosages; their LD₅₀ values were 64, 400 and 580 mg/kg body weight, respectively. So, both dicoumarol and furopyrone were moderately toxic, whereas 1-acetyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole was slightly toxic [52]. The average times to death were ranged between 6.3 and 5.5 days. However, EP₅₀ and EP₉₈ (Effective periods of 50% and 98% mortalities) of 100 mg/kg were 4.5 and 11.5 days, respectively. These compounds exhibited good rodenticidal properties on three consecutive dosages in a week when compared with coumachlor with LD₅₀ equal to 50-100 mg/kg if applied on five consecutive days [54].

Biochemical effects

Benzotriazole derivatives weakly affected the haemoglobin and haematocrit of both males and females within the tested doses (10-300 mg/kg) with ED₅₀ of >300 mg/kg. While, dicoumarol and furopyrone were highly and moderately toxic against haemoglobin of male and female rats with ED₅₀ values of 24 & 27 mg/kg and 90 & 130 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Furopyrone and dicoumarol were moderately active on haematocrit of males with ED₅₀ values of 53 and 65 mg/kg but on females with 135 and 195 mg/kg respectively. Red blood cells(RBC’s) of females were found to be more sensitive to coumachlor, dicoumarol, furopyrone, 5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole, benzotria-zole followed by 1-benzoyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole as highly toxic compounds reducing RBC’s of males with ED₅₀ values of 7, 12, 19, 28, 40 and 44 mg/kg, respectively (Loomis, 1976). Coumachlor, dicoumarol, furopyrone and 5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole were also highly toxic against RBC’s of females with ED₅₀ value of 10.5, 25, 32 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. However the other compounds moderately reduced the RBC’s counts of males and females. White blood cells (WBC’s) of males were highly sensitive to 5,6- dichlorobenzotriazole, coumachlor and dicoumarol with ED₅₀ values of 12, 13, and 37 mg/kg, whereas dicoumarol and 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole were highly toxic in reducing it in females with ED₅₀ values of 32 and 42 mg/kg, respectively. The other compounds proved to be moderately toxic in both males and females except benzotriazole, 1-acetylbenzotriazole and furopyrone. 5,6-Dichlorobenzotriazole was nearly equal to coumachlor in reducing males WBC’s, whereas dicoumarol and 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole were more effective than coumachlor against female WBC’s.

Benzotriazole derivatives as well as furopyrone weakly affected sALT enzyme in both males and females. 5,6-Dimethylbenzotriazole was more potent reducing sAST enzyme activity in both males and females with ED₅₀ values of 8.8 and 13.5 mg/kg, respectively. Dicoumarol was also highly toxic compound against sAST in males and females with ED₅₀ of 24 and 32 mg/kg, respectively whereas coumachlor was highly toxic against females and moderately against males with 24 and 54 mg/kg ED₅₀ values, respectively. 5,6-Dimethylbenzotriazole was more potent reducing sAST activity in both males and females with ED₅₀ values of 8.8 and 13.5 mg/kg, respectively. Dicoumarol was also categorized as highly toxic against sAST in males and females with ED₅₀ of 24 and 32 mg/kg, respectively whereas coumachlor was highly toxic against females and moderately against males with 24 and 54 mg/kg ED₅₀ values, respectively. 1-Acetylbenzotriazole was moderate reducing sAST activity in males with ED₅₀ equalled 160 mg/kg. The other derivatives and furopyrone weakly affected it in both sexes.

3.7. Pesticidal activity of some benzylidine derivatives [4]

Actually ,- unsaturated ketones were prepared according to Claisen Schmidt reaction (CSR) mechanism for searching their potency controlling some pests based on their biological history [55-56]. These biological activities of chalcone derivatives (as benzylidine derivatives) directed the attention to prepare some chaclone derivatives; dibenzylidineacetone, dibenzylidineacetylacetone and benzylidineacetophenone (chalcone).

Phytocidal effects

Benzylidineacetophenone (chalcone), dibenzylidineacetone and dibenzyli-dineacetylacetone were active against the root system of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum) with EC₅₀ values equal 54,55 and 68 µg/ml, respectively. On the other hand, their shoot systems were less sensitive, since benzylidineacetophenone (chalcone) was less effective, followed by dibenzylidineacetylacetone and dibenzylidine-acetone. It could be concluded that, the three prepared compounds proved to be highly toxic on root system whereas dibenzylidine acetone and dibenzylidineacetylacetone proved to be moderately toxic against the shoot system of wheat seedlings. On the other hand, root system of squash seedlings (Cucarbita pepo) was highly affected by dibenzylidineacetylacetone, benzylidineacetophenone and dibenz-ylidineacetone. These prepared compounds also affected the shoot system of squash seedlings. However the standard herbicide, Granstar was more effective against both wheat and squash seedlings than the prepared compounds. Although the obtained results revealed that the prepared compounds could be considered as a moderate phytotoxicants against wheat and squash seedlings but they were more specific on root system of wheat seedlings.

Insecticidal and molluscicidal effects

Comparing with methomyl (Lannate), Dibenzylidineacetone and lannate proved to be highly toxic against the cotton leaf worm (S. littoralis) with LC₅₀ values < 10 µg/ml. Dibenzylidineacetylacetone and benzylidineacetophenone slightly affected it with LC₅₀ values equalled 510 and > 2000 µg/ml, respectively. Dibenzylidineacetone weakly affected the tested snails, whereas benzylidineacetophenone was very weak against E. Vermiculata but it was not mortal on T. pisana. Dibenzylidineacetylacetone showed no lethal effects against the two terrestrial snails.

Generally, the prepared compounds caused moderately phytotoxic effects on both wheat and squash seedlings but they were specific on root system of wheat seedlings. Dibenzylidineacetone caused nearly the same effects as methomyl against cotton leaf worm. So, it could be concluded that dibenzylidineacetone after different biological tests may be safe as an insecticide against cotton leaf worm as it was previously prepared as a sun protection cream [57].

3.8. Evaluation of certain benzylidine and pyrazole derivatives against wood decay fungi [58]

Wood decay fungi are destructive agents of wood industry. They degraded the used fungicides [59,60]. Due to their importance and the activities of benzylidine and pyrazole derivatives, their toxic effects were evaluated on the white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor and the brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum.

In Vitro fungitoxic effects were dependent on their concentrations, chemical structures and the treated fungus. 1,5-Diphenylpenta-1,4-dien-3–one (compound 1) exhibited its fungitoxicitywith IC₅₀ of 295.4 and 976.9 g/ml against C. versicolor and G. trabeum, respectively. While, the toxicity was diminished because of the CH₂CO- moiety in 1,7-diphenylhepta-1,6-dien-3,5-dione (compound 2) with IC₅₀ of 317.1 and 1995.4 g/ml in case of the two studied fungi. Fungitoxicity was more than three nine times against C. versicolor and G. trabeum, respectively without -CH=CH- moiety in 1,3-diphenylpropen-3-one (Chalcone) (compound 3). 3,5-Dimethylpyrazole (compound 4) was less effective against the tested fungi with IC₅₀ values of 867.7 and 944.8 g/ml against C. versicolor and G. trabeum, respectively. Substitution with 1-phenyl moiety changing to pyrazol-5-one ring in 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (compound 5) increased the effects with IC₅₀ values of 744.2 and 632.4 g/ml against the treated fungi.. Higher enhancement was achieved by replacing the substituted 1-phenyl ring with 2,4-dinitrophenyl moiety in 3-Methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-pyrazol-5-one (compound 6), the most active with IC₅₀ of 19.6 and 112.7 g/ml against the white and brown rot fungi. In general, significantly C. versicolor appeared more sensitive than G. trabeum with general mean ± SE of mycelium growth inhibition percents of 39.18 ± 3.12 and 32.7 ± 2.58, respectively. Additionally, compound 6 was the most effective followed by compound 3, exceeding boric acid as a standard compound with mean mycelium growth inhibition percents of 61.0, 46.9 and 40.9%, respectively. While, the other tested compounds were less effective than the standard (Table 2).

Tested Compound	Coriolus versicolor			Gloeophyllum trabeum
IC50g/ml; (95%C L)	Slope; S.E	(^2	IC50 g/ml; (95%C L)	Slope; S.E	(^2
1,5-Diphenylpenta-1,4-dien -3–one (1)	295.4 ^c; (250-350)	1.51 0.019	5.9	976.9 ^b; (796-1198)	1.17 0.02	6.8
1,7-Diphenyl hepta-1,6-dien-3,5–dione (2)	317.1 ^b; (263-383)	1.35 0.02	0.4	1995.4^a; (1452-2747)	0.93 0.02	6.4
1,3-Diphenylpropen-3-one (Chalcone) (3)	84.5 ^e; (57.1-124.4)	0.86 0.01	4.3	103.9^g; (66.6-160.8)	0.73; 0.01	2.5
3,5-Dimethylpyrazole (4)	867.7 ^a; (759-992)	1.96 0.026	3.0	944.8^c; (784-1138)	1.3 0.021	2.6
3-Methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (5)	744.2 ^b; (655-846)	2.18 0.028	0.5	632.4 ^d; (549.6-728)	2.06 0.026	3.9
3-Methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-; phenyl)-pyrazol-5-one (6)	19.6 ^f; (16.7-22.9)	2.16 0.028	9.1	112.7^f; (88.9-142.7)	1.17 0.01	3.9
Boric acid	252.5 ^d; (226-282.3)	2.38 0.033	2.5	189.1^e; (166.3-215)	2.0 0.026	7.9

Table 2.

Fungicidal effects of certain benzylidine and pyrazole compounds on Coriolus versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum fungi

In vivo antifungal activity

After six weeks exposure to fungal attack, the average mass loss in control was 41.27 and 41.53% for poplar (Populus nigra) and Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris), respectively. Regarding poplar, compounds 3and 6 reduced the mass loss to 30.43% and 29.23% (75% and 71% of control) at the lowest concentration. This effect was significantly increased reaching 23.87% (57.7% of control) and 13.67 % (33.1% of control) mass losses in systematic arrangement in un-leached samples in case of compound 3 and 6, respectively at the highest concentration (10 IC₅₀ value). Leaching reduced antifungal effects of the two compounds to 28.10 % and 28.63% mass loss at the highest concentration with a narrow range of difference with their lowest concentration (0.5 IC₅₀) as the mass loss was 33.03% and 31.13% in compound 3 and 6, respectively. The tested compounds protected the Scots pine sapwood samples in the same manner as compound 3 reduced its mass loss to (30.83% - 24.80%) while compound 6 reduced its mass loss to (30.0% - 14.47%) at concentration used in comparison to 41.53% of control samples. Leaching of the used blocks decreased the effect to (34.87% – 29.0%) and (33.30% – 27.5%), respectively (Table 3).

Treatment	Conc; (IC50 values)	Populus nigra			Pinus sylvestris
Retention Kg/m^3	Mass loss % SE		Retention Kg/m^3	Mass loss % SE
Un-Leached	Leached	Un-Leached	Leached
Control	0.0	0.0	41.27 ^g 0.43	41.27 ^e 0.43	0.0	41.53^g 0.42	41.53^g 0.42
1,3-Diphenyl-propen-3-one Chalcone) (3)	0.5	0.022	30.43 ^f 0.77	33.03 ^d 0.37	0.021	30.83^f 0.92	34.87^f 0.37
1.0	0.044	28.10 ^e 0.61	31.07 ^c 0.58	0.043	28.10^e 0.35	32.30^d 0.15
5.0	0.194	26.23 ^d 0.55	29.33 ^b 0.26	0.210	26.4 ^d 0.49	31.10^c 0.51
10.0	0.447	23.87 ^c 0.61	28.10 ^a 0.42	0.463	24.80^c 0.68	29.0 ^b 0.21
3-Methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-pyr-azol-5-one (6)	0.5	0.004	29.23 ^f 0.82	31.13 ^c 0.52	0.019	30.0 ^f 0.32	33.30^e 0.38
1.0	0.009	23.40 ^c 0.67	30.13 ^c 0.55	0.039	25.57^d 0.43	31.17^c 0.15
5.0	0.042	18.07 ^b 0.45	29.40 ^b 0.35	0.199	20.87^b 0.20	29.47^b 0.55
10.0	0.089	13.67 ^a 0.54	28.63 ^b 0.37	0.394	14.47^a 0.34	27.5 ^a 0.58

Table 3.

Average of retention (kg/m3) and mass losses (%) of Poplar (P. nigra) and Scots pine sapwood (P. sylvestris) mini-blocks treated with compounds 3 and 6 and exposed to C. versicolor and G. trabeum, respectively.

The effect of compound 6 was reduced by leaching samples more than compound 3 ensuring that the former is easily leached due to its hygroscopic nature. Descriptive analysis proved compound 6 more significantly effective with general mean of mass loss ± SE of 25.12% ± 2.58 in comparison to 29.98% ± 1.63 of compound 3 in case of un-leached poplar samples, while no significant differences between them in leached samples were observed. In Scots pine sapwood, significance appeared in both cases as compound 6 achieved general mean of mass loss ± SE of 26.49% ± 2.44 and 32.59% ± 1.31 comparing with 30.33 % ± 1.61 and 33.76 % ± 1.16 of compound 3 in un-leached and leached samples. Differences between the benzylidine derivatives in their fungicidal activity could be referred to the conjugation among carbonyl groups, phenyl rings and double bonds, so compound 2 was less effective due to lack of this conjugation because of CH₂ moiety. Compound 3 was more effective than compound 1 may be due to the lipophilicity [61]. The effect of benzylidine derivatives (benzaldhyde derived compounds) was greatly inhibited against G. trabeum than C. versicolor, which may be due to degradation as benzaldehyde and its metabolic intermediates were effectively degraded by G. trabeum to 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. This was further metabolized via the decarboxylation reaction to yield 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, which is susceptible to the ring-fission reaction [62]. Compound 3 was retained approximately in the same amount in both wood specimens. The retained amount of compound 6 inP. sylvestris was four times more than in P. nigra. On the other hand, compound 6 was retained in about one fifth of compound 3 in P. nigra, although it was more effective. So it could be concluded that compound 6 was found to be more effective than compound 3 in all cases and it was more toxic against C. versicolor than on G. trabeum. Moreover, these compounds need to be applied at higher concentrations to enter wood preservatives clique.

3.9. Phytocidal effects of some azole derivatives [63]

Phytocidal effects of five-memberred heterocyclic derivatives were studied on monocotyledonous (Triticum aestivum L.) and dicotyledonous (Cucurbita pepo) plants. Some activities of nitrogen heterocycles as herbicides [64-65] helped growing this idea.

In seed treatment, wheat seedlings growth was more sensitive to the tested compounds than seed germination. Pyrazole derivatives were less effective than both indole and benzotriazole derivatives against seed germination, while their effects against vegetation depended on the structure. 5,6-Dichlorolbenzotriazole was more potent than the standard herbicide, metribuzin against both seed germination and growth of seedlings. 1-Acetylindole-3-butyric acid caused nearly the same effect of metribuzin on seed germination, whereas its effect on seedling growth was less than it. However, the other benzotriazole, indole and pyrazole derivatives were less effective than it against both seed germination and seedling growth. Screening effects of the tested compounds on root and shoot systems of squash (C. peppo) and wheat (T. aestivum) proved 5,6-dichlorolbenzoriazole the most effective inhibiting squash root and shoot systems with EC₅₀ values equaled 8.6 and 16.8 g/ml exceeding the standard herbicides with 86.2 and 97.2 g/ml, respectively. 1-Acetyl-5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one were also more potent than metribuzin, with EC₅₀ values equaled (26.2 and 47.2) and (72.2 and 77.1) g/ml against root and shoot systems of squash seedlings. 5,6-Dimethylbenzotriazole, 1-benzoylbenzotriazole and 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid were more effective than it against squash root system with 63.1, 71.2, and 80.1 g/ml EC₅₀ values. Indole-3-butyric acid inhibited squash shoot system with EC₅₀ value equaled 63.7 g/ml. The other tested benzotriazoles, indole and pyrazole derivatives were less effective than the standard herbicide. Comparing with 55.8 and 68.2 g/ml EC₅₀ values of the standard herbicide against root and shoot systems of wheat, 5,6-dichlorolbenzotriazole, indole-3-butyric acid, indole-3-acetic acid, 1-acetylindole-3-butyric acid, benzotriazole, 1-benzoylindole-3-acetic acid and 3-methyl-1(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one were more potent with 16.9, 6.0, 3.3, 2.86, 1.82, 1.8 and 1.45 times against root system of wheat. While 5,6-dichlorolbenzotriazole was 5.3 times more effective than metribuzin on wheat seedlings shoot growth, the other benzotriazoles, indole and pyrazole derivatives were less effective than it. All the tested derivatives were more effective inhibiting growth of root system than shoot growth in squash (C. peppo) seedlings except indole-3-acetic acid with EC₅₀ values equaled 311.4 and 201.4 g/ml and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) pyrazol-5-one with EC₅₀ values equaled 47.2 and 77.1 g/ml. The same trend was obtained in case of wheat seedlings by benzotriazole and indole derivatives except 1-benzoylindole-3-butyric acid with EC₅₀ values equaled 611 and 544 g/ml and 1-benzoyl-2-phenylindole with EC₅₀ values equaled 453 and 503 g/ml, respectively. However pyrazole derivatives proved to be more effective against root than shoot depending inhibition degree on the chemical structure differences among the applied derivatives except 3,5-dimethylpyrazole with EC₅₀ values equaled 208 and 172 g/ml, respectively. Due to high effects of both 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one, they were applied in post emergence treatment to study their effects against some plant active sites of action. Pre emergence treatment with 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole inhibited both fresh and dry weights of wheat seedlings. Fresh weight of the emerged wheat seedlings was reduced with 45.1 - 94.7% at a concentration of 2 - 30 g/ml with EC₅₀ values equaled 2.9 g/ml, while their dry weight was reduced increasingly with increasing the concentration with 30.6 - 94.2% reduction with EC₅₀ value equaled 3.6 g/ml. At 50 g/ml, it completely prevented seeds emergence. Post-emergence treatment of wheat seedlings with 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one affected their dry weight increase depending on concentration and time after treatment. Both two compounds reduced this increasing rate in comparison to control at all times. The highest effect was obtained during the first three days after treatment at all concentrations. 3-Methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one highly affected it during seven days after treatment. It was more potent than 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole nearly at all the tested concentrations (Figure 6).

Figure 6.

Effect of post emergence treatment on wheat seedlings dry weight. Left, 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole; Right, 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyrazol-5-one

Concentrations. in µg/ml

Single post-emergence treatment with both 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole and 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)pyrazol-5-one affected the total soluble sugars contents in a function of concentration and time after treatment (Figure 7). Both reduced and non-reduced sugars alternatively changed regarding the time after treatment. 100 µg/ml was the most effective concentration reducing TSS increasingly with time after treatment. Low activity at 200 µg/ml might be referred to its difficult penetration. However 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)pyrazol-5-one showed its maximum activity after 7 days at 100 µg/ml. The highest effect of 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole on chlorophyll was after 3 days. At 15 days after treatment, chlorophyll contents were enhanced at all concentrations. Chlorophyll a was more sensitive than b Vice versa, 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyr-azol-5-one affected chlorophyll a less than b. Enhancement was noticed at low concentrations at all the tested periods. The most reducing concentration was 100 µg/ml. Treatment with 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole reduced the soluble phenolics content mostly until 3 days after treatment at all concentrations systematically with increasing the tested concentration. This effect was fluctuated according to the applied concentration at 7 days after treatment. The most effective concentration was 100 µg/ml. At 15 days after treatment, it was too long to keep its effectiveness in reducing their content. While 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) pyrazol-5-one caused reduction of their content up to 15 days after treatment. Effects on chlorophyll content disturb several physiological processes in plants. The effect on soluble phenolics interferes in the protective compounds [66]. Fluctuated results of chlorophyll and soluble phenolics may be due to the interactive effects of temperature and the accumulated soluble phenolics [67]. 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole may inhibit cell division and protoporphyrinogen oxidase leading to membrane disruptionand inhibiting photosynthesis [64]. Benzotriazoles are effective in blocking photosynthetic electron transfer [68], slowing down the growth and decreasing plant size emphasizing our results on fresh and dry weight [69]. They may affect through inhibition of protein kinases [70]. Indole derivatives effects varied based on structure and concentrations inducing growth abnormalities leading to desiccation, tissue necrosis, and decay. They also increased H₂O₂ levels, which contributes to the induction of cell death, deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity and chlorophyll loss as sensitive indicators for tissue damage [65]. Pyrazolederivatives are considered as branched chain amino acid synthesis (ALS or AHAS) inhibitor stopping cell division and plant growth.

Figure 7.

Effect of post emergence treatment on wheat seedlings sugars.Left, 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole; Right, 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl) pyrazol-5-one; Concentrations in µg/ml

4. Conclusion

Several prepared organic compounds are tested for their pesticidal actions. Indole derivatives inhibited hyphal growth of several plant pathogenic fungi based on treated fungus and structure affecting sugars, RNA and DNA contents as well as enzymes disturbing cell physiology. They caused lethality, larval weight reduction, inhibition of pupation and adult emergence with inhibiting egg hatchability of S. littoralis Boisd. Tested pyrazole, imidazole and oxazole derivatives exhibited weak lethality with inhibition of insect palatability and moderate to high fungitoxic and phytotoxic effects according to structure, fungus and plant seedlings. Imidazolidine and oxazolone derivatives were antifeedants more than killers against S. littoralis and 5,5-diphenylimidazol-idin-2,4-dione was the most effective structure. Their phytocidal and fungicidal activities were higher than insecticidal effects and 5,5-diphenylimidazolidin-2-thione-4-one was the most useful structure. Benzotriazoles changed in their fungicidal effects and 5,6- dichlorobenzotriazole was highly to moderately toxic against the treated fungi affecting both polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and DNA & RNA contents. They caused lower effects on haemoglobin and haematocrit of rats, whereas dicoumarol and furopyrone highly reduced them. However dimethyl- and dichloro- substituent increased the activity of non-substituted benzotriazole on RBC’s, WBC’s and sAST, aceylation of 5,6-dimethylbenzotriazole decreased its effect on both male and female RBC’s, sAST. Benzylidine derivatives caused moderately phytotoxic effects. Dibenzylidineacetone caused nearly the same effect as methomyl against cotton leaf worm. They differed in their mortality on E. vermiculata and T. pisana snails. Significantly C. versicolor was more sensitive than G. trabeum tobenzylidine and pyrazole derivatives. 3-Methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-pyrazol-5-one was the most effective followed by 1,3-diphenylpropen-3-one, exceeding boric acid, as a standard in case of un-leached poplar samples, while no differences were observed between them in leached samples. In Scots pine sapwood, significance appeared in both samples. 1,3-Diphenylpropen-3-one was approximately retained in the same amount in both wood specimens. Although 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-pyrazol-5-one was retained in one fifth of 1,3-diphenylpropen-3-onein P. nigra, it was more effective. Benzotriazole, indole and pyrazole derivatives inhibited wheat seedlings growth more than seed germination process. Pyrazoles were less than others inhibiting seed germination, effects on vegetation depended on structure. Some of derivatives exceeded the standard herbicides in their effects. 5,6-dichlorolbenzoriazole was the most effective inhibiting monocotyledons and dicotyledonous seedlings growth. Its pre emergence treatment inhibited wheat seedlings fresh and dry weights. They also affected the total soluble sugars, chlorophyll and soluble phenolic contents in plants. The configuration of 5,6-dichlorolbenzotriazole and 5,6-dichloro- substituent may be required to get good results. These results may exhibit 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole as pre-emergent phytocidal compound, while 3-methyl-1-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)pyrazol-5-one as post-emergent. These results proveed 5,6-dichlorobenzotriazole to inhibit the chlorophyll content, cell division leading to membrane disruption, inhibiting photosynthesis, growth abnormalities leading to desiccation, tissue necrosis and decay and decrease the plant size emphasizing our obtained results on fresh and dry weight. In conclusion, this research might help finding active molecules are not famous as pesticides to be useful in integrated management programs.