Preparation and Characterization of Insecticide/Calix[4]arene Complexes and Their Enhanced Insecticidal Activities againstPlutella xylostella

Abstract

Applications of supramolecular materials in plant protection have attracted significant interest in recent years. To develop a feasible method to improve the efficacy and reduce the usage of chemical pesticides, the effect of calix[4]­arene (C4A) inclusion on enhancing the insecticidal activity of commercial insecticides was investigated. Results showed that all three tested insecticides (chlorfenapyr, indoxacarb, and abamectin) with distinct molecular sizes and modes of action were able to form stable 1:1 host–guest complexes with C4A through simple preparation steps. The insecticidal activities of the complexes against Plutella xylostella were effectively enhanced compared to the guest molecule, with the synergism ratio being up to 3.05 (for indoxacarb). An obvious correlation was found between the enhanced insecticidal activity and the high binding affinity between insecticide and C4A, while the improvement in water solubility may not be a determining factor. The work would provide hints for the further development of functional supramolecular hosts as synergists in pesticide formulations.

Bioassay-Guided and DeepSAT-Driven Precise Mining of Monoterpenoid Coumarin Derivatives with Antifeedant Effects from the Leaves of Ailanthus altissima

“…In China, the management and crop losses are estimated to be about $0.77 billion per year . The abuse of conventional pesticides not only has harmful effects on the environment but also leads to the development of drug-resistant populations of P. xylostella . − Azadirachtin A, found in plants, is used worldwide in agriculture and pest management for its insecticidal properties. − Its popular application indicated that natural insecticides have the potential to be practical substitutes for synthetic pesticides.…”