Discuss mechanisms of action of chemicals used to control plant diseases and resistance of pathogens to chemicals?
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Apr 19
Chemicals used to control plant diseases typically work through one of several mechanisms of action:
1. Inhibition of cell wall synthesis: Some chemicals work by disrupting the synthesis of the cell wall in fungi, preventing their growth and reproduction.
2. Inhibition of protein synthesis: Other chemicals target the ribosomes in fungi, inhibiting protein synthesis and ultimately leading to cell death.
3. Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis: Some chemicals interfere with the synthesis of DNA or RNA in pathogens, disrupting their ability to replicate.
4. Disruption of cell membrane function: Certain chemicals disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane in fungi, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death.
5. Inhibition of enzyme activity: Some chemicals target specific enzymes in pathogens, disrupting their metabolic processes and leading to their demise.
Resistance of pathogens to chemicals can occur through several mechanisms:
1. Target site modification: Pathogens can develop mutations in the target sites of chemicals, rendering them ineffective at inhibiting the intended biological process.
2. Efflux pumps: Pathogens can develop efflux pumps that actively pump out the chemical before it can reach its target site, reducing its effectiveness.
3. Metabolic detoxification: Pathogens can develop enzymes that detoxify or degrade the chemical before it can exert its toxic effects.
4. Reduced uptake: Pathogens can develop mechanisms to reduce the uptake of the chemical into their cells, reducing its efficacy.
To combat resistance, it is important to use chemicals in a responsible and sustainable manner, rotating different modes of action, using mixtures of chemicals with different mechanisms of action, and implementing integrated pest management strategies that incorporate cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
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Google Gemini AI
Apr 19
Mechanisms of Action of Plant Disease Control Chemicals
- Fungicides: - Hinder fungal growth by disrupting cell wall synthesis, energy production, or DNA/RNA synthesis. - Target specific protein or enzyme structures essential for fungal survival. - Example: Azoles, strobilurins, and triazoles - Bactericides: - Kill bacteria by damaging their cell membranes or disrupting essential metabolic pathways. - Some act as systemic antibiotics, translocated within the plant to reach pathogens. - Example: Copper compounds, streptomycin, and kasugamycin - Nematocides: - Control nematodes by damaging their cuticle, inhibiting egg development, or interfering with muscle function. - Some are fumigants that penetrate the soil and reach nematodes directly. - Example: Carbamates, organophosphates, and fumigants (e.g., methyl bromide) - Virucides: - Rarely used due to the lack of specific target sites in viruses. - Some prevent viral replication by targeting virus capsid proteins. - Example: Acyclovir, Ribavirin
Resistance of Pathogens to Chemicals
Pathogens can develop resistance to chemicals through various mechanisms, including:
- Mutation: Random changes in the pathogen's genes can lead to altered protein structures that no longer bind to the chemical. - Overexpression of target enzymes: The pathogen may increase the production of the enzyme targeted by the chemical, leading to reduced efficacy. - Efflux pumps: Certain proteins can pump the chemical out of the pathogen's cell, decreasing its concentration. - Alternative pathways: The pathogen may develop alternative metabolic pathways that bypass the chemical's target site. - Cross-resistance: Resistance to one chemical can confer resistance to other chemicals with similar modes of action.
Strategies to Manage Resistance
- Use chemical mixtures: Combining chemicals with different modes of action reduces the risk of resistance development. - Rotate chemicals: Alternating between different chemical classes prevents pathogens from developing resistance to any single compound. - Use dose fractionation: Applying chemicals in small, split doses rather than all at once can delay the development of resistance. - Cultural practices: Incorporating cultural practices (e.g., crop rotation, sanitation) that reduce pathogen pressure can help slow resistance development. - Host resistance: Planting resistant cultivars can reduce the need for chemical controls and mitigate the impact of resistance.