Structure-activity relationship of aliphatic compounds for nematicidal activity against pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus).

Nematicidal activity of aliphatic compounds was tested to determine a structure-activity relationship. There was a significant difference in nematicidal activity among functional groups. In a test with alkanols and 2E-alkenols, compounds with C(8)-C(11) chain length showed 100% nematicidal activity against pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus , at 0.5 mg/mL concentration. C(6)-C(10) 2E-alkenals exhibited >95% nematicidal activity, but the other compounds with C(11)-C(14) chain length showed weak activity. Nematicidal activity of alkyl acetates with C(7)-C(11) chain length was strong. Compounds belonging to hydrocarbons, alkanals, and alkanoic acetates showed weak activity at 0.5 mg/mL concentration. Nematicidal activity of active compounds was determined at lower concentrations. At 0.25 mg/mL concentration, whole compounds except C(8) alkanol, C(8) 2E-alkenol, and C(7) alkanoic acid showed >80% nematicidal activity. C(9)-C(11) alkanols, C(10)-C(11) 2E-alkenols, C(8)-C(9) 2E-alkenals, and C(9)-C(10) alkanoic acids showed >80% nematicidal activity at 0.125 mg/mL concentration. Only C(11) alkanol exhibited strong nematicidal activity at 0.0625 mg/mL concentration, the lowest concentration that was tested.