Characterization of the antifungal activity on Botrytis cinerea of the natural diterpenoids kaurenoic acid and 3beta-hydroxy-kaurenoic acid.

The antifungal activity on Botrytis cinerea of the diterpenoids 3beta-hydroxy-kaurenoic acid and kaurenoic acid, obtained from the resinous exudates of Pseudognaphalium vira vira, was determined. 3beta-Hydroxy-kaurenoic acid reduced the mycelial growth of B. cinerea in solid and liquid media. Additionally, the damage produced by the fungus on the surface of tomato leaves in the presence of the diterpenoids was evaluated. A higher protective effect was observed in the presence of the hydroxylated diterpene. On the other hand, the effect of the diterpenoids on the production of enzymes that participate in the plant infection by B. cinerea was analyzed. p-Nitrophenylbutyrate esterase production was induced by both diterpenoids, whereas laccase production was only induced by the hydroxylated diterpene. In the study of the mechanism of action of these compounds, it was determined that 3beta-hydroxy-kaurenoic acid would produce permeabilization of the cell membrane of B. cinerea.