Phytotoxic constituents from Nimbya alternantherae

A phytotoxic compound identified as 6-(3,3-dimethylallyloxy)-4-methoxy-5-methylphthalide (1), was isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Nimbya alternantherae, cultivated on solid media. Catalytic hydrogenation of 1 resulted in the quantitative formation of second compound (2). Both compounds (1, 2) act by inhibiting the ATP synthesis in spinach thylakoids. A detailed investigation on the mechanism of action indicates that compound 1 acts as a Hill reaction inhibitor and uncoupler of photosynthesis.