Biologically Active Natural Products: Potential Use in Agriculture

Abstract

Biologically active natural products are derived from three major sources: the fermentation of microorganisms, higher plants, and insects. However, compounds derived from these sources may act within each or all of these domains. That is, compounds derived from microorganisms and higher plants may affect insects and vice versa. Often, natural products are obtained in limited quantities and small yields do not lend themselves to extensive testing. During the past three years there has been increased synthesis of natural product templates and their analogs for evaluation in biological systems. Relative to these approaches, assorted natural products from microorganisms, including oligopeptides, acyclic polyketols and some relatively simple molecules are examined. The brassinosteroids and photodynamic herbicides, from higher plants, are discussed. Finally, compounds that are produced by insects, or which affect insects, are reviewed.