| Abstract: | Summary Heterocyclic 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones and related benzox-azolinones are important natural products of the cereal crops maize, wheat and rye. Much research has focused on the role of these compounds as defensive agents against plant diseases and pests. Studies of a wide variety of biological effects on herbivores and nematodes, plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria are reviewed in this article. Phytotoxic activity of the compounds is also considered with respect to allelopathic interaction with higher plants. Recent investigations of molecular aspects of interactions of cyclic hydroxamic acids and related benzoxazo-linones with acceptor organisms have demonstrated different effective detoxification strategies and tolerance mechanisms. This research has greatly advanced our knowledge about the multiple roles that these allelochemicals play in ecological systems. |
