Co-Authors:
Lozano, R., Insect Physiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
Chitwood, D.J., Department of Botany, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Telephone: (301) 344-2389
Lusby, W.R., Department of Botany, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Telephone: (301) 344-2389
Thompson, M.J., Department of Botany, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Telephone: (301) 344-2389
Svoboda, J.A., Department of Botany, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Telephone: (301) 344-2389
Patterson, G.W., Insect Physiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
Abstract:
1. An analogous series of dimethylalkyl compounds, consisting of four amines, an amide, and a phosphonate ester, inhibited motility and reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. 2. Dimethylamines with straight-chain lengths of 12, 14, or 16 carbon atoms were equally active nematicides, causing greater than 80% population growth inhibition at a concentration of 25 ppm. 3. The C12 straight-chain amine and its corresponding amide produced similar inhibition and were much more potent than either the corresponding C12 phosphonate or a C12 branched-chain amine. 4. Inhibition of the Δ24-sterol reductase system was exhibited by all four amines, but not by the amide or phosphonate, in the following order of activity: C12 branched-ehain amine > C12 straight-chain amine > C14 amine > C16 amine. 5. The C12 branched amine also blocked the C-24(28)-dehydrogenase system in the conversion of sitosterol to fucosterol, the initial step in sitosterol dealkylation. © 1984.