Bioactivity of Anacardic Acid against Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) Larvae

Abstract

Anacardic acid (2-hydroxy-6-alkylbenzoic acid) produced and secreted from glandular trichomes of zonal geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum; Geraniaceae family) provides resistance to small pests (aphids and spider mites). To assess the potential bioactivity of anacardic acid against larger insect pests and to determine if an alternate mode of application (ingestion rather than the topical application) could impart resistance to pests, the effects of anacardic acid consumption on the development of Colorado potato beetle larvae were tested. Analysis of dose-response curves indicated a significant effect on weight gain and mortality. Assessment of food preference (treated versus untreated) indicated larvae avoid food containing anacardic acid and have a lower feeding rate on food containing anacardic acid. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that anacardic acid, applied as a chemical spray or through bioengineering production in crop plants, may provide a new tool in the arsenal to minimize damage to plants caused by pests.

Anacardic Acid Inhibits Estrogen Receptor α–DNA Binding and Reduces Target Gene Transcription and Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation

“…AnAc 24:1 ω5 was purified to greater than 95% (Supplemental Fig. 1B and C), as previously reported (14). Multiple preparations of AnAc 24:1 ω5 were made throughout the course of these studies and no difference in bioactivities was detected.…”

Biological activity of phenolic lipids

“…Phenolic lipids also exhibit larvicidal activity. This was demonstrated for cardanol, cardol from CNSL, and their products of hydrogenation against Aedes aegypti larvae [169] as well as for anacardic acid from Ozoroa insignis against Artemia salina larvae [170] and Colorado potato beetle larvae [171].…”

De novo transcriptome analysis of rose-scented geranium provides insights into the metabolic specificity of terpene and tartaric acid biosynthesis

“…Pest resistant and susceptible genotypes exhibit predominance of unsaturated (22:1 ώ 5 and 24:1 ώ 5 ) and saturated (22:0 and 24:0) anacardic acid, respectively [40, 43]. The biosynthesis of anacardic acid could happen through polyketide mechanism using fatty acids as precursor molecules [41, 44]. Carbon elongation in anacardic acid is achieved by utilizing acetate units derived from malonyl-CoA.…”

“…Carbon elongation in anacardic acid is achieved by utilizing acetate units derived from malonyl-CoA. Acyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] desaturase and type III polyketide synthase (PKS), a muilti module protein, catalyzes condensation reaction steps of anacardic acid biosynthesis [41]. In transcriptome data, a total of 114 contigs were identified, with substantial level of expression, showing homology with thirteen type-III PKS (e-value: 3e −19 to 0) and six Acyl ACP desaturase (e-value: 1e −53 to 5e −175 ) putative genes (Fig.…”