In-vitro and in-vivo nematicidal activities of the cyclic dodecapeptide omphalotin A

Abstract

Omphalotin A, a cyclic dodecapeptide produced by submerged cultures of the basidiomycete Omphalotus olearius, exhibited in-vitro and in-vivo nematicidal activity. Meloidogyne incognita was the most sensitive nematode. At 2.0 mg litre -1 , 50% of the nematodes were dead after one hour. Heterodera schachtii, Radopholus similis and Pratylenchus penetrans were affected at higher concentrations. Incorporated into agar, the compound prevented infection of cucumber seedlings by M. incognita at concentrations of 1 mg litre -1 and higher. In glasshouse tests, complete protection of cucumbers and lettuce was achieved between 2.5 and 10 mg litre -1 . No insecticidal activity was observed when Plutella xylostella, Phaedon cochleariae or Spodoptera frugiperda were fed material containing 4 g kg -1 of omphalotin A.