Researchers obtain results with three new thiazolidinone compounds against Spodoptera frugiperda

Researchers have developed and synthesized three new thiazolidinone compounds (6a, 7b and 7e), incorporating innovative structural elements into piperine, an alkaloid found in pepper. These compounds have shown promising results by interfering with the reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda, potentially reducing the population of this pest effectively.

Compounds 6a and 7e, when applied, caused eggs to darken and clump together in the oviduct of some female moths, preventing normal egg release. A significant increase in the generation of egg fragments with a low hatching rate was also observed. Although there was no change in the total number of eggs produced, the hatching rate decreased significantly.

Compared to the control using 2% DMSO, the application of compound 6a resulted in a significant decrease in the hatching rate and prolonged the life and laying time of the females. This effect was also observed in compounds 7b and 7e.

Biological mechanisms and effects

The new compounds act as trehalase inhibitors, an essential enzyme in insect energy metabolism. Trehalase controls the levels of trehalose and glucose, nutrients crucial for insect development and reproduction. Inhibition of trehalase by application of the compounds resulted in several deformities and increased mortality of larvae.

Previous studies have already shown that trehalase inhibition can lead to malformations in the development and death of insects. In the current experiments, the injection of inhibitors 6a, 7b and 7e into the pupae of Spodoptera frugiperda resulted in darkened and clustered eggs, similar to the effects observed in mosquitoes treated with chitinase inhibitors, indicating a blockage in the release of normal eggs and reducing reproductive capacity.

The findings of this research indicate that new thiazolidinone compounds have great potential as biological pesticides against Spodoptera frugiperda. The researchers' next steps include validating the effectiveness of these compounds in field environments and studying possible impacts on other non-target organisms, ensuring the feasibility and safety of their large-scale use.

Article about the research can be read at doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106033