NMR-based metabolomic investigation of potential natural agrochemicals from Schiekia orinocensis under biotic and abiotic stress

Abstract

Fungi, insects and nematodes can bring negative effects to banana (Musa spp.) crops. Agrochemicals are the main weapon against these infections, although they often are expensive and toxic to the environment. For instance, natural agrochemicals are an alternative to treat infected crops. Investigations have demonstrated that resistant banana species produce phytoalexins (in this case the secondary metabolites phenalenones) as a response to the infection of some of these pathogens. Haemodoraceae plants are known to produce phenalenones, in higher concentration than in Musaceae specimens. However, species from Haemodoraceae (e.g. Schiekia orinocensis) are still on the initial phases of metabolic investigation. Research performed by UFPR in collaboration with Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have found phenalenones and flavonoids in S. orinocensis. This project aims to investigate the metabolic response of S. orinocensis to biological and mechanical stress agents in comparison to the basal metabolism of the plant by means of modern NMR techniques and multivariate analysis. This approach allows the efficient detection of the main defense compounds. Thus, the detected bioactive phenalenones could be used on the investigation of new potential natural agrochemicals to banana crops. (AU)