Halogenated coumarin derivatives as novel seed protectants.

Development of new and improved antifungal compounds that are target-specific is backed by a strong Federal, public and commercial mandate. Many plant-derived chemicals have proven fungicidal properties, including the coumarins (1,2-Benzopyrone) found in a variety of plants such as clover, sweet woodruff and grasses. Preliminary research has shown the coumarins to be a highly active group of molecules with a wide range of antimicrobial activity against both fungi and bacteria.

AFLP analysis of genetic diversity in charcoal rot fungal populations impacted by crop rotations.

The application of molecular markers enables scientists to clarify the genetic relationships among fungi who are difficult to classify or partition into sub-species using traditional morphological or physiological criteria. One such fungus is Macrophomina phaseolina, a plant pathogenic soil-borne fungus that is the causative agent of Charcoal Rot on soybeans and 500 other plant species world-wide. This plant pathogenic fungus is a very heterogeneous species and disease population dynamics and pathogen genetic diversity are poorly understood.

Soy polyol formulations as novel seed treatments for the management of soil-borne diseases of soybean.

Polyurethanes prepared from vegetable oils display a number of desirable properties useful for many commercial and industrial applications. One unique application is that of an agricultural seed treatment. Seed treatments are used to incorporate pesticides onto the seed coat and to decrease the disease susceptibility of the seed during its germination in the soil.

Evaluation of coumarin derivatives as anti-fungal agents against soil-borne fungal pathogens.

Development of new and safer pesticides that are target-specific is backed by a strong Federal, public and commercial mandate. In order to generate a new generation of pesticides that are more ecologically friendly and safe, natural products are being evaluated for pesticidal activities. Many plant-derived chemicals have proven pesticidal properties, including compounds like sesamol (3,4-Methylenedioxyphenol), a lipid from sesame oil and coumarins (1,2-Benzopyrone) found in a variety of plants such as clover, sweet woodruff and grasses.

Field assessment of plant derivative compounds for managing fungal soybean diseases.

Natural plant-derived compounds are currently being explored as alternatives for pest control in sustainable agriculture. This study explored the use of two compounds, sesamol and carbenoxolone, in the management of the fungal soybean disease charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina). Previous studies have determined that sesamol and carbenoxolone compounds significantly inhibited fungal pathogen growth and plant disease in vitro.