Metabolomics – A robust bioanalytical approach for the discovery of the modes-of-action of pesticides: A review

The agrochemical industry is facing great undertaking that includes increasing demand for the development of new crop protection agents that are safe for the environment and the consumers, and at the same time combat the issue of the emergence of resistance pest strains. The mode-of-action (MoA) is among the features of a bioactive compound that largely determine whether the abovementioned issues are addressed or not, and subsequently whether its commercial development will be addressed. The early discovery of the MoA of bioactive compounds could accelerate pesticide research and development by reducing the required time and costs. Based on advances in synthetic and natural product chemistry, scientists have access to a vast number of compounds that could potentially be developed as crop protection agents. The screening of such compounds with respect to their MoA requires accurate and robust bioanalytical tools. Metabolomics is a powerful bioanalytical tool that will likely play a significant role in the acceleration of the discovery of MoA of bioactive compounds. In the present review, the capabilities and principles and applications of metabolomics for the study of the MoA of herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, fungicides, and antibiotics are discussed.

Graphical abstractThe pipeline discovery of the mode(s)-of-action of bioactive compounds applying metabolomics.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Pesticide R&D could be greatly accelerated by the early discovery of the MoA. ► Metabolomics could play a significant role in the discovery of MoA of pesticides. ► Applications of metabolomics for the study of the MoA of pesticides are presented.