S. D. Beck, E. Smissman
1961
Citations
0
Influential Citations
17
Citations
Journal
Annals of The Entomological Society of America
Abstract
Benzoxazolinone and 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone, found in the tissues of several plant species of the family Gramineae, play an important role in host-plant resistance to insects and fungi. Biological activity is measurable as inhibition of growth of the insect or pathogen. A study was made of the growth inhibitory properties of over 50 analogs of benzoxazole and related phenolics, using the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis (Hbn.), and Penicilliuin chrysogenum as test organisms. Fungal growth inhibition was found to be dependent on two structural characteristics of the molecule: (1) the presence of a lipid-solubilizing group on the benzenoid nucleus, and (2) the presence of a nitro or amino group adjacent to a phenolic hydroxyl. Antifungal activity was not enhanced by an oxazole ring. Growth inhibitory activity against the European corn borer was closely associated with the presence of an oxazole or thiazole grouping, and phenolic compounds were of generally low activity.