Isolation,structural identification and herbicidal activity of N-phenylpropanamide from Streptomyces sp. KA1-3

The secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp. KA₁-3, cultured on starch casein broth, was extracted by ethyl acetate and concentrated. Purification of the compound by thin layer chromatography lead to isolation of N-phenylpropanamide from one polar fraction. The structure of the herbicidal compound was elucidated on the basis of UV, FT-IR, mass and H¹ NMR spectroscopy. The herbicidal activity of the isolate was tested against the weeds Cassia occidentalis L. and rhizome Cyperus rotundus L. by moist chamber technique and rolled towel paper assay method. Herbicidal activity of the bioactive compound N-phenylpropanamide was further evaluated under in vitro condition. The herbicidal compound showed 80% of seed germination inhibition in C. occidentalis L. and rhizome C. rotundus L. weed. The actinobacterium can be used as a source for bioherbicidal agent.