Inspired by the self‐protection mechanism of pine trees through resin secretion: a novel rosin‐based nematicide was designed to control pine wood nematodes

Abstract BACKGROUND Pine wood nematodes ( PWD ) cause significant threat to ecosystems and forestry economies, and the long‐term use of commercial fungicides has led to environmental pollution and ecological imbalance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop effective and eco‐friendly plant‐based derivatives to control PWD . RESULT A series of rosin‐based nematicides were prepared, and their insecticidal activity was evaluated on pine wood nematodes. The result indicated that dehydroabietic acid‐based amide derivatives‐3q ( DAAD ‐3q) exhibited the highest nematocidal activity, with the half‐lethal concentration ( LC 50 ) of 95.9 μg/ mL . Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the amide bond in DAAD ‐3q enhances binding to target sites. Physiological studies showed that DAAD ‐3q disrupted pine nematode microstructure, induced oxidative stress, and reduced glutathione S‐transferase ( GST ) enzyme activities. Molecular docking revealed various interaction forces between DAAD ‐3q and GST , including hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Metabolomic analysis indicated that DAAD ‐3q interferes with energy and lipid metabolism, while transcriptomic profiling showed alterations in genes related to development, metabolism, and antioxidant pathways. These molecular perturbations are associated with increased reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) production and decreased GST enzymatic activities, ultimately contributing to the death of pine wood nematodes. CONCLUSION This research successfully prepared an efficient nematicide agent and explored its action mechanism, providing theoretical guidance for the green prevention and control of pine wood nematodes. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.