Design, synthesis, and bioactivity of nortopsentin analogues containing 1,2,4‐triazole moieties

Abstract Plant diseases are serious and difficult to control. Novel and efficient pesticides are urgently needed. A series of nortopsentin analogues were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antiviral activities and fungicidal activities. Compound 3g with higher antiviral activity than nortopsentin D and ribavirin emerged as new antiviral lead compound. Further fungicidal activity tests revealed that nortopsentin analogues displayed broad‐spectrum fungicidal activities. Compounds 3a , 3d , and 3f displayed higher antifungal activities against Cercospora arachidicola Hori than commercial fungicides carbendazim and chlorothalonil. Current research has laid a foundation for the application of nortopsentin analogues in plant protection.