Further Daphniphyllum alkaloids with insecticidal activity from the bark of Daphniphyllum macropodum M(IQ).

Two new Daphniphyllum alkaloids, macropodumines J and K (1 and 2, resp.), together with six known structurally related alkaloids, 3-8, were isolated from the bark of Daphniphyllum macropodum M(IQ). The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic and chemical data. Macropodumine J (1) contains a CN group which is relatively rare in naturally occurring alkaloids. All isolated compounds were tested for their insecticidal activities against a number of insect species. Daphtenidine C (5) is the most active compound against Plutella xylostella. This is the first report of insecticidal properties of Daphniphyllum alkaloids.

Early responses of resistant and susceptible potato roots during invasion by the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis.

Signals from roots of resistant (cv. Maris Piper) and susceptible (cv. Désirée) potato cultivars during invasion by second stage juveniles (J2s) of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, were investigated. Novel experimental chambers enabled the recording of electrophysiological responses from roots during nematode invasion. The root cell membrane potentials were maintained throughout the 3 d required to assess invasion and feeding site development. The steady-state resting membrane potentials of Désirée were more negative than those of Maris Piper on day 1, but the reverse on day 3. After 5 d there was no difference between the two cultivars. Intracellular microelectrodes detected marked spike activity in roots after the application of J2s and there were distinct and reproducible differences between the two cultivars, with the response from Désirée being much greater than that from Maris Piper. The responses to mechanical stimulation of roots by blunt micropipettes and sharp electrodes were consistent and similar in both cultivars to the responses in Maris Piper obtained after nematode invasion, but could not account for the marked response found in Désirée. Exogenous application of exoenzymes, used to mimic nematode chemical secretions, resulted in a distinct depolarization pattern that, although similar in both cultivars, was different from patterns obtained during nematode invasion or mechanical stimulation. The pH of homogenates prepared from roots of both cultivars was measured and a Ca2+ channel blocker was used to assess the role of Ca2+ in nematode invasion. The results indicated a role for Ca2+ in the signalling events that occur during nematode invasion.