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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Three novel synthetic amides of adipic acid protect Capsicum anuum plants against the necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria solani

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Three novel amides of adipic acid, 5-carbamoil ethyl pentanoate (N1), 5-(2-furfurylmethylcarbamoil) ethyl pentanoate (N2) and 5-(3-aminopropylcarbamoil) ethyl pentanoate (N3) were synthesized and their resistance-inducing activity was studied on pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. Treatment with low doses of each amide protected pepper plants against the pathogen Alternaria solani, N1 being the most effective. Although their mode of action is still unknown, prechallenge studies demonstrated the induction of the phenylpropanoid pathway and an antisenescence effect. These effects were previously shown for other mixtures and derivatives of adipic acid. These new chemicals showed no antimicrobial activity at doses much higher than those used for plant treatments. This fact supports the idea that they are acting mainly via planta by inducing natural resistance pathways. Treatments based on these novel chemicals produce no phytotoxic effects and improve plant growth and development. For that reason, they could constitute an attractive alternative to fungicides. It is interesting to note that they are adipic acid derivatives, a compound used as alimentary additive with non toxic properties. Obviously a complete safety study is necessary before these chemicals could be commerzialized.