Derivatives of diterpen labdane-8α,15-diol as photosynthetic inhibitors in spinach chloroplasts and growth plant inhibitors

•15-O-benzoyl-8α-hydroxy labdane acts as Hill reaction inhibitor.•15-O-benzoyl-8α-hydroxy labdane acts as selective herbicide for dicotyledonous plants.•Photosynthesis of Physalis ixocarpa plants was inhibited.•K-band is an indicative donor side of PS II probably is failing.

In a search of new efficient herbicides of natural origin, four derivatives were prepared from labdane-8α,15-diol (1) and 15-O-acetyl-8α-hydroxy labdane (2) isolated from Croton ciliatoglanduliferus. Their inhibitory activity on photosynthetic electron transport on fresh, broken spinach chloroplasts and on the growth of plants were determined. Derivative 15-O-benzoyl-8α-hydroxy labdane (5) was seven times more active than 2 as reaction Hill inhibitor. Complex of 5 with the adjuvant 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (5:HPB) (200 μM) was sprayed on Physalys ixocarpa (green tomato) plants; 48 h later the complex inhibited PS II by transforming the active reaction centers to silent reaction centers or “heat sinks”. After 72 h this effect disappeared, probably 5:HPB was metabolized by the plant. Chlorophyll a fluorescence of Trifolium alexandrinum (clover) leaves was affected with 5:HPB at the level of PQ pool reduction. 5:HPB decreases the tomato and clover dry-biomass, without affecting Lolium perenne (grass) plants, suggesting that complex 5 acts as selective herbicide for dicotyledonous plants.

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