Synthesis of the Pink Bollworm Sex Pheromone, 7-cis, 11-cis-Hexadecadienyl Acetate and Its 11-trans Isomer

Four types of amino acid related compounds were examined on their plant growth-regulating activity. These compounds were N-acylamino acids (N-acyl), N-alkylamino acids (N-alkyl), amino acid higher alkyl esters (ester) and amino acid higher alkyl amides (amide). Every compound, when the number of carbon atoms of the acyl or alkyl radical was 10 to 12, was most effective in inhibiting the root and shoot elongation of rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) in Petri dish. Ester and amide were much more effective than N-acyl and N-alkyl. Ester and amide also showed herbicidal activity against barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli) grown in pot filled with paddy soil and irrigated, especially, lauryl dl-valinate-HCl being most effective.