Modified Plant Metabolite Structures for Rice Pest Management

Overview

This research program focuses on developing modified plant secondary metabolites as effective, sustainable biopesticides targeting rice pests. The approach draws on the well-documented insecticidal properties found across more than 2,500 plant species from 235 families worldwide. By isolating, characterizing, and chemically modifying bioactive compounds from plants such as Aegle marmelos, Citrus spp., Annona reticulata, Azadirachta indica, Butea frondosa, and Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, the project aims to produce enhanced analogues with improved pest-control performance. The work addresses the growing global demand for natural and sustainable crop protection alternatives that reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides.

Technical specifications

Research workflow and methodology:

• Plant material preparation: Plant parts are washed, shade-dried at room temperature, and powdered for extraction of secondary metabolites
• Phytochemical extraction: Secondary metabolites are isolated from powdered plant material for bio-efficacy testing
• FTIR analysis: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is used to identify and characterize various functional groups present in the extracted compounds
• GCMS analysis: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry is employed to profile phytochemicals and conduct chemotaxonomic studies of biologically active components
• Bioassay studies: Surface contact and feeding bioassays evaluate multiple concentrations of secondary metabolites, with mortality data collected at 24, 48, and 72 hours
• Experimental design: Complete Randomized Design (CRD) ensures statistical rigor
• Statistical analysis: Probit analysis determines lethal concentration values, while ANOVA tests for significant differences among treatments
• Chemical modification: Promising secondary metabolites undergo structural modification to enhance bioactivity against target pests

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The project follows a structured timeline spanning approximately 40 months, beginning with plant collection and preparation (months 1-6), followed by extraction and analytical characterization using FTIR and GCMS (months 6-12). Laboratory bioassays to identify promising secondary metabolites and determine LC50 values are planned for months 12-24. Chemical modification of promising compounds occurs during months 24-32, with subsequent bioassay validation of modified metabolites in months 32-40. The technology is currently at laboratory validation stage with potential for advancement toward field trials and formulation development.