Brassinosteroids application

Brassinolide is known as the most potent compound for inducing plant growth promoting activity in various bioassay systems. Many researchers have attempted to demonstrate brassinosteroid application for agricultural use. However, test results have been disappointing in many cases under field conditions. Here, we discuss the capability and problems surrounding the potential practical uses of brassinosteroids. 

Sasa, S. Marumo and T. Kitsuwa. Microanalysis of brassinolide and its CS145 application to the identification of new brassinosteroids in plants. Proc 25th Symp on the Chem of Nat Prod Tokyo 1982 290-297. CS146... 

H. G. Cutler T. Yokota G. Adam, Eds., Brassinosteroids-Chemistry, Bioactivity and Applications, ACS Symposium Series No. 474 American Chemical Society Washington, DC, 1991. 

Brassinosteroids chemistry, bioactivity, and applications / Horace G. Cutler, editor, Takao Yokota, editor, Gunter Adam, editor. 

The original discovery of brassinolide, a natural plant-growth promoter extracted from bee-collected pollen, was made at the USDA Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. Although the USDA terminated brassinosteroid research, others around the world have carried on the work. This volume addresses the history, biochemistry, physiology, practical applications, production, synthesis, and entomological effects of these compounds. 

Of special interest for practical applications, as well as for future receptor studies, are the structure-activity relationships of the brassinosteroids. As postulated (6) the structural requirements for a high activity are the following (22R.23R)-vicinal diol moiety (24S)-methyl- or ethyl group 7-oxa-lactone or 6-oxo functionality 3a-hydroxy group, 2a,3a-vicinai diol or 3a,4a-vicinal diol and A/B-trans-fused ring junction. 

Microbial Transformation of Brassinosteroids. Until now, information concerning the microbial transformations of brassinosteroids has not been published. Such biotransformations could open novel pathways to additionally functionalized members for structure-activity investigations as well as provide information about possible metabolic processes of such compounds. Furthermore, the intermediate metabolites may have practical application. 

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