Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Curvularia spp.: Natural Alternatives for Pest Management in Agriculture

Authors: RIBEIRO PENA, VICTOR - ARS Postdoctoral Research Associate; Bajsa-Hirschel, Joanna; Tamang, Prabin; Harries, Marcuslene; Meepagala, Kumudini

Submitted to: Journal of Natural Pesticide Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/3/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This study explores the potential of Curvularia spp. as a source of natural bioactive compounds for sustainable pest management. Seven metabolites were isolated from the fungus, with two compounds—phenethyl alcohol and N-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)acetamide—demonstrating significant antifungal activity against Colletotrichum fragariae, the pathogen responsible for strawberry anthracnose. Additionally, the ethyl acetate extract and certain isolated compounds exhibited phytotoxic effects on bent grass (Agrostis stolonifera). These findings highlight the potential application of Curvularia metabolites as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Technical Abstract: The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has raised concerns due to their environmental impact, the development of resistant pest strains, and potential health risks. As a result, there is a growing interest in safer alternativs for pest management. Fungal secondary metabolites, renowned for their structural diversity and biological activities, have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The utilization of these natural compounds offers a sustainable approach to managing agricultural pests. This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from a Curvularia spp., focusing on their phytotoxic and antifungal properties. Seven compounds namely tyrosol, phenethyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 4-(3-hydroxypropyl)phenol, tyramine, and N-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)acetamide—were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus, marking the first report of these metabolites in Curvularia species. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated significant phytotoxicity against Agrostis stolonifera, a monocot, with tyrosol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde identified as the active compounds. Additionally, phenethyl alcohol and N-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)acetamide exhibited antifungal activity against Colletotrichum fragariae, the causative agent of strawberry anthracnose. These findings support the potential of Curvularia spp. as a source of bioactive compounds with applications in agriculture and plant disease management for sustainable crop protection strategies.