Use of cinnamate compounds in the control of fungal diseases of crops

Abstract

A method of controlling fungal diseases of crops with cinnamate compounds, the cinnamate compounds having one of the following chemical structures:

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201911093363.3 filed on Nov. 11, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of pesticides, and particularly relates to a use of cinnamate compounds in the control of fungal diseases of crops.

BACKGROUND

As early as in 1970, Staples et al. have reported that an derivative of cinnamic acid, methyl 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamate, has fungicidal activity, its cis-isomers have been used as pesticides in Japan, while its trans-isomers are almost inactive [{circle around (1)}Staples M. V, et al. Sci., 1970, 170:539-540; {circle around (2)}Tetsu, T. et al. Ann. Phytopathol. Soc. Jpn., 1996, 62:222-227]. In the 1980s, researchers in Shell Co. have successfully developed a fungicide, dimethomorph, based on methyl 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamate, likewise, its cis-isomers are active [{circle around (1)}Tetsu T., et al. Ann. Phytopathol. Soc. Jpn., 1996, 62:222-227; {circle around (2)}Albert A. et al. Brighton: British Crop Prot. Council, 1988, 17-23]. Although it was reported in documents that dimethomorph had good protective and therapeutic activities, actually its therapeutic activity was poor [{circle around (1)}Albert A. et al. Brighton: British Crop Prot. Council, 1988, 17-23; {circle around (2)}Liu Changling, et al. Brighton: British Crop Prot. Council, 2000, 549-556]. Shenyang Research Institute of Chemical Industry developed a new fungicide, flumorph, based on methyl 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamate and dimethomorph, of which the activity, especially the therapeutic activity was significantly superior to that of dimethomorph, its cis- and trans-isomers are both active [{circle around (1)}Li Zongcheng et al., Chinese Patent: 96115551.5, 1994-04-08b, U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,332, 2000-0201c, EU Patent: 860438B, 2003-01-08; {circle around (2)}Liu Changling, et al. Brighton: British Crop Prot. Council, 2000, 549-556; {circle around (3)}Liu Wucheng et al., A new high effective fungicide flumorph, Pesticides, 2002, (1): 8-12]. In addition to dimethomorph and flumorph, there are many analogues [Liu Changling, Collection of new pesticide research and development, Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2002, 58-61], which have been developed at present including fenpropimorph, tridemorph, dodemorph and pyrimorph and so on.

Powdery mildew is the main disease of a variety of crops in China, such as wheat, barley, flax, melon vegetables, rape, beans, pepper, tomato, eggplant, grape, strawberry, apple, flowers, and Chinese medical herbs, which is serious in rainy years, prone to outbreak, and need multiple controls. And if the optimum control period is missed, the control would be poor or ineffective, which has become an urgent problem in production. The fungicides currently used for the control of powdery mildew in production include triazoles, morpholines and methoxy acrylates. The triazoles include triazolone, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, flusilazole, diniconazole, propiconazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, myclobutanil, triadimenol and the like. Drug resistance has developed as a result of long-term continuous use, and most varieties easily cause phytotoxicities to crops due to improper use, thus inhibiting the normal growth of crops.

SUMMARY

According to the above prior art, the present invention aims to provide a new use of cinnamate compounds in the control of fungal diseases of crops.

For the above purposes, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

A use of cinnamate compounds in the control of fungal diseases of crops, wherein:

• • the cinnamate compound is ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, the chemical structure of which is as below:

• • alternatively, the cinnamate compound is ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, the chemical structure of which is as below:

• • alternatively, the cinnamate compound is ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, the chemical structure of which is as below:

Preferably, the fungal disease is at least one of powdery mildew, damping-off, rot, gummy stem blight, anthracnose, white rot, northern leaf blight, late blight, gray mold, downy blight, blight, early blight, Fusarium wilt, full rot, Pythium rot, dry rot, ring spot, sheath blight, and stalk break.

Preferably, the crop is at least one of apple, watermelon, grape, cotton, corn, wheat, rice, potato, rape, marrow bean, cucumber, zucchini, melon, cucurbit, opo squash, white gourd, and solanceous vegetables. The solanceous vegetables are, for example, pepper, tomato, eggplant and the like.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of powdery mildew of crops.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of powdery mildew of crops.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of powdery mildew of crops.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of damping-off of solanceous vegetables.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of damping-off of solanceous vegetables.

Preferably, the ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is used as an antifungal active ingredient in the preparation of a fungicide for the control of damping-off of solanceous vegetables.

A fungicide, comprising ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate as an antifungal active ingredient A, and comprising metalaxyl or hymexazol as an antifungal active ingredient B.

Preferably, the mass ratio of the antifungal active ingredient A to the antifungal active ingredient B is 1:3 to 3:1.

Preferably, the fungicide is used for the control of pepper downy blight.

The cinnamate compounds of the invention have a broad antifungal spectrum against fungal diseases of crops, are safe for crops, and can avoid the occurrence of phytotoxicity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The specific technical scheme of the invention is further detailed below through specific embodiments. The following are only some specific embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and may have many variations. All the variations which can be directly derived or associated with the disclosed contents of the invention by those of ordinary skills in the art shall be considered as the protection scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to the technical field of pesticides, and particularly relates to a use of cinnamate compounds in the control of fungal diseases of crops.

Embodiment 1: Determination on the Antifungal Activities of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A Ex Vivo

(1) Agents for Testing

• • Ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate (at a purity of 99%), ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate (at a purity of 99%) and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate (at a purity of 99%), the control compound A (methyl 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamate, at a purity of 99%), 96.5% of chlorothalonil technical (non-systemic broad-spectrum fungicide), 97.2% of carbendazim technical (systemic broad-spectrum fungicide), 97.0% of procymidone technical (systemic fungicide), 96.0% of dimethomorph
  • ((E,Z)-4-[3-(4-chlorphenyl)3-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)acryloyl]morpholine, a systemic fungicide) technical, 97.0% of azoxystrobin technical (systemic broad-spectrum fungicide).

(2) Plant Pathogenic Fungi for Testing

• • Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora infestans, Valsa mali, Phytophthora capsici, Fusarium graminearum, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Pythium aphanidermatum, Colletotrichum capsici, Botryosphaeriana berengeriana, Coniella diplodiella, F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis and G. graminis var. tritici, Botryosphaeria berengeriana, C. gossypii, F. graminearum, Thanatephorus cucumeris, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohdum turcicum, F. verticillioide, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Pyricularia grisea, Phytophthora infestans and F. oxysporum f. sp. lini, in total 23 kinds of plant pathogenic fungi.

(3) Ex Vivo Bioassay Method

• • The inhibition of samples for testing on the mycelial growth of plant pathogenic fungi for testing is determined with a growth rate method. Ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate as well as the control compound A and five control agents are dissolved with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then formulated at 5˜7 concentrations of different gradients for test following the trial test results, with the same concentration of DMSO as the control solvent, each treatment in triplicate. Fungal cakes with a diameter of 4 mm are taken from the edge of the colony, inoculated into the center of a PDA plate containing different agents of different concentrations and the DMSO control, with one piece of fungal cake inoculated in each plate (with a diameter of 9 mm), and incubated in a constant temperature incubator at a temperature of 22±1.5° C. 7 days later (10˜20 days may be needed for some pathogenic fungi), the diameter of the colony is measured with a cross over method according to the mycelial growth profile of the control pathogenic fungi, then the inhibition rate of mycelial growth is calculated. The computational formula is as below:the inhibition rate of mycelial growth (%)=[(the diameter of the control colony−the diameter of the treated colony)/the diameter of the control colony]×100.

The determination results of the inhibition of each agent at a concentration of 1 mg/mL on the mycelial growth of plant pathogenic fungi are shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

	TABLE 1
	Average Diameter of the Colony (cm)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′-fluoro-	Control
Fungus	4′-methoxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	0.00	0.67	0.00	0.00	0.00	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	1.40	2.77	1.78	0.00	0.80	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	0.85	0.00	1.65	—	0.83	—	—
Phytophthora	1.26	1.97	0.91	0.00	5.10	6.70	0.00
capsici
Fusarium	3.26	—	0.71	0.00	2.26	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	0.37	0.67	2.16	0.00	0.24	3.93	2.13
melonis
Pythium	2.60	—	1.14	0.00	6.20	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	0.11	—	1.95	0.00	1.19	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	1.19	—	0.94	—	0.20	—	—
berengeriana
Conidia	0.00	—	0.00	0.00	0.06	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	4.45	2.43	2.45	0.00	2.57	3.03	6.03
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	2.29		2.51	—	2.16	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	1.72		2.11	—	0.15	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	0.42	3.83	1.45	0.00	1.62	5.37	3.93
F. graminearum	2.77	4.90	1.92	1.17	3.57	6.23	6.23
Thanatephorus	2.05	—	1.05	0.00	0.54	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	1.35	2.27	1.16	0.00	1.74	4.33	2.33
Exserohilum	0.10	1.37	1.41	9.00	0.24	6.50	6.50
turcicum
F. verticillioide	2.34	—	0.87	0.00	2.57	—	—
Sclerotinia	2.58	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	4.40	4.77
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	7.70	3.83	1.63	0.00	4.63	4.67	6.67
Phytophthora	0.00	0.27	0.20	6.80	0.00	0.00	0.00
infestans
F. oxysporum	7.20	—	3.73	0.00	6.33	5.93	6.27
f. sp. lini
(Note:
“—“ indicates not determined.)

	TABLE 2
	Average Diameter of the Colony (cm)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′,4′-	Control
Fungus	methylene dioxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	0.80	0.67	0.00	0.00	0.00	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	2.01	2.77	1.78	0.00	0.80	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	0.00	0.00	1.65	—	0.83	—	—
Phytophthora	1.42	1.97	0.91	0.00	5.10	6.70	0.00
capsici
Fusarium	3.00	—	0.71	0.00	2.26	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	0.75	0.67	2.16	0.00	0.24	3.93	2.13
melonis
Pythium	2.60	—	1.14	0.00	6.20	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	1.49	—	1.95	0.00	1.19	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	4.20	—	0.94	—	0.20	—	—
berengeriana
Conidia	0.00	—	0.00	0.00	0.06	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	2.58	2.43	2.45	0.00	2.57	3.03	6.03
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	2.45	—	2.51	—	2.16	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	3.45	—	2.11	—	0.15	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	1.74	3.83	1.45	0.00	1.62	5.37	3.93
F. graminearum	1.73	4.90	1.92	1.17	3.57	6.23	6.23
Thanatephorus	3.75	—	1.05	0.00	0.54	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	2.17	2.27	1.16	0.00	1.74	4.33	2.33
Exserohilum	1.52	1.37	1.41	9.00	0.24	6.50	6.50
turcicum
F. verticillioide	2.91	—	0.87	0.00	2.57	—	—
Sclerotinia	4.71	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	4.40	4.77
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	2.70	3.83	1.63	0.00	4.63	4.67	6.67
Phytophthora	0.00	0.27	0.20	6.80	0.00	0.00	0.00
infestans
F. oxysporum	6.97	—	3.73	0.00	6.33	5.93	6.27
f. sp. lini

	TABLE 3
	Average Diameter of the Colony (cm)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′,4′-	Control
Fungus	dimethoxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	0.00	0.67	0.00	0.00	0.00	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	1.33	2.77	1.78	0.00	0.80	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	0.00	0.00	1.65	—	0.83	—	—
Phytophthora	0.75	1.97	0.91	0.00	5.10	6.70	0.00
capsici
Fusarium	1.40	—	0.71	0.00	2.26	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	0.05	0.67	2.16	0.00	0.24	3.93	2.13
melonis
Pythium	0.73	—	1.14	0.00	6.20	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	0.83	—	1.95	0.00	1.19	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	1.58	—	0.94	—	0.20	—	—
berengeriana
Coniella	0.00	—	0.00	0.00	0.06	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	2.68	2.43	2.45	0.00	2.57	3.03	6.03
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	2.56	—	2.51	—	2.16	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	2.95	—	2.11	—	0.15	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	1.33	3.83	1.45	0.00	1.62	5.37	3.93
F. graminearum	2.74	4.90	1.92	1.17	3.57	6.23	6.23
Thanatephorus	0.94	—	1.05	0.00	0.54	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	0.61	2.27	1.16	0.00	1.74	4.33	2.33
Exserohilum	0.56	1.37	1.41	9.00	0.24	6.50	6.50
turcicum
F. verticillioide	2.28	—	0.87	0.00	2.57	—	—
Sclerotinia	1.34	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	4.40	4.77
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	5.47	3.83	1.63	0.00	4.63	4.67	6.67
Phytophthora	0.00	0.27	0.20	6.80	0.00	0.00	0.00
infestans
F. oxysporum	6.17	—	3.73	0.00	6.33	5.93	6.27
f. sp. lini

	TABLE 4
	Inhibition Rate (%)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′-fluoro-	Control
Fungus	4′-methoxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	100	91.52	100	100	100	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	60.56	64.94	49.86	100	77.47	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	89.24	100	79.11	—	89.02	—	—
Phytophthora	76.23	75.06	82.83	100	3.77	25.55	100
capsici
Fusarium	39.07	—	86.73	100	57.7	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	95.70	91.52	74.88	100	97.21	56.33	76.33
melonis
Pythium	61.19	—	82.99	100	7.46	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	98.38	—	71.24	100	82.45	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	79.12	—	83.51	—	96.49	—	—
berengeriana
Conidia	100	—	100	100	99.14	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	38.54	69.24	66.16	100	64.50	66.33	33.0
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	40.0	—	64.90	—	69.79	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	74.71	—	68.97	—	97.79	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	92.22	51.52	73.15	100	70.0	40.33	56.33
F. graminearum	67.79	37.98	77.67	87	58.49	30.78	30.78
Thanatephorus	76.16	—	87.79	100	93.72	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	81.98	71.27	84.51	100	76.77	51.89	74.11
Exserohilum	98.39	82.66	77.30	0	96.14	27.78	27.78
turcicum
F. verticillioide	30.77	—	74.26	100	23.96	—	—
Sclerotinia	70.0	100	100	100	100	51.11	47.0
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	14.44	51.52	81.89	100	48.56	48.11	25.89
Phytophthora	100	96.58	97.78	24.44	100	100	100  ‘
infestans
F. oxysporum	20.0	—	58.56	100	29.67	34.11	30.33
f. sp. lini

	TABLE 5
	Inhibition Rate (%)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′,4′-	Control
Fungus	methylene dioxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	88.76	91.52	100	100	100	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	43.38	64.94	49.86	100	77.47	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	100	100	79.11	—	89.02	—	—
Phytophthora	73.21	75.06	82.83	100	3.77	25.55	100
capsici
Fusarium	43.93	—	86.73	100	57.7	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	91.28	91.52	74.88	100	97.21	56.33	76.33
melonis
Pythium	61.19	—	82.99	100	7.46	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	78.02	—	71.24	100	82.45	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	26.32	—	83.51	—	96.49	—	—
berengeriana
Conidia	100	—	100	100	99.14	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	64.37	69.24	66.16	100	64.50	66.33	33.0
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	65.73	—	64.90	—	69.79	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	49.27	—	68.97	—	97.79	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	67.78	51.52	73.15	100	70.0	40.33	56.33
F. graminearum	79.88	37.98	77.67	87.0	58.49	30.78	30.78
Thanatephorus	56.40	—	87.79	100	93.72	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	71.03	71.27	84.51	100	76.77	51.89	74.11
Exserohilum	75.52	82.66	77.30	0.0	96.14	27.78	27.78
turcicum
F. verticillioide	13.91	—	74.26	100	23.96	—	—
Sclerotinia	45.23	100	100	100	100	51.11	47.0
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	25.56	51.52	81.89	100	48.56	48.11	25.89
Phytophthora	100	96.58	97.78	24.44	100	100	100
infestans
F. oxysporum	22.56	—	58.56	100	29.67	34.11	30.33
f. sp. lini

	TABLE 6
	Inhibition Rate (%)
	Ethyl
Name of	3-(3′,4′-	Control
Fungus	dimethoxy	Compound
Species	phenyl) acrylate	A	Chlorothalonil	Carbendazim	Procymidone	Azoxystrobin	Dimethomorph
Rhizoctonia	100	91.52	100	100	100	—	—
solani
Phytophthora	62.54	64.94	49.86	100	77.47	—	—
infestans
Valsa mali	100	100	79.11	—	89.02	—	—
Phytophthora	85.85	75.06	82.83	100	3.77	25.55	100
capsici
Fusarium	73.83	—	86.73	100	57.7	—	—
graminearum
Mycosphaerlla	99.42	91.52	74.88	100	97.21	56.33	76.33
melonis
Pythium	89.10	—	82.99	100	7.46	—	—
aphanidermatum
Colletotrichum	87.76	—	71.24	100	82.45	—	—
capsici
Botryosphaeriana	72.28	—	83.51	—	96.49	—	—
berengeriana
Coniella	100	—	100	100	99.14	—	—
diplodiella
F. oxysporum	62.98	69.24	66.16	100	64.50	66.33	33.0
f. sp. vasinfectum
Gaeumannomyces	64.20	—	64.90	—	69.79	—	—
graminis
var. graminis
and G. graminis
var. tritici
Botryosphaeria	56.62	—	68.97	—	97.79	—	—
berengeriana
C. gossypii	75.37	51.52	73.15	100	70.00	40.33	56.33
F. graminearum	68.14	37.98	77.67	87.0	58.49	30.78	30.78
Thanatephorus	89.07	—	87.79	100	93.72	—	—
cucumeris
Botrytis cinerea	91.86	71.27	84.51	100	76.77	51.89	74.11
Exserohilum	90.98	82.66	77.30	0.0	96.14	27.78	27.78
turcicum
F. verticillioide	32.54	—	74.26	100	23.96	—	—
Sclerotinia	84.42	100	100	100	100	51.11	47.0
sclerotiorum
Pyricularia grisea	39.22	51.52	81.89	100	48.56	48.11	25.89
Phytophthora	100	96.58	97.78	24.44	100	100	100
infestans
F. oxysporum	31.44	—	58.56	100	29.67	34.11	30.33
f. sp. lini

It is indicated from the determination results of antifungal activities (Table 1, 4) that: ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate has strong inhibition on the mycelial growth of the following 9 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Colletotrichum capsici, Coniella diplodiella, C. gossypii, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum and Phytophthora infestans, with the inhibition rate at the concentration of 1 mg/mL between 81.98% and 100%. Wherein, its antifungal activities on Valsa mali, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Colletotrichum capsici, Coniella diplodiella, C. gossypii and Exserohilum turcicum are superior to that of chlorothalonil; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of chlorothalonil; its antifungal activities on Exserohilum turcicum and Phytophthora infestans are superior to that of the control agent, carbendazim; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Colletotrichum capsici, Coniella diplodiella and C. gossypii are comparable to that of carbendazim; its antifungal activities on Colletotrichum capsici and C. gossypii are superior to that of the control agent, procymidone; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Coniella diplodiella Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of procymidone; its antifungal activities on Mycosphaerlla melonis, C. gossypii, Botrytis cinerea and Exserohilum turcicum are significantly superior to that of the control agent, Azoxystrobin; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of Azoxystrobin; its antifungal activities on Mycosphaerlla melonis, C. gossypii and Exserohilum turcicum are significantly superior to that of the control agent, dimethomorph; its antifungal activity on Botrytis cinerea is superior to that of dimethomorph; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of dimethomorph. The supplementary determination results further show that, the antifungal activity of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate on Phytophthora capsici is superior to that of the control agent, hymexazol (3-hydroxy-5-methyl isoxazole, systemic broad-spectrum fungicide).

It is indicated from the determination results of antifungal activities (Table 2, 5) that, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate has strong inhibition on the mycelial growth of the following 5 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Coniella diplodiella and Phytophthora infestans, with the inhibition rate at the concentration of 1 mg/mL between 88.76% and 100%. Wherein, its antifungal activities on Coniella diplodiella and Mycosphaerlla melonis are superior to that of the control agent, chlorothalonil; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Coniella diplodiella and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of the control agent, chlorothalonil. Its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is significantly superior to that of the control agent, carbendazim; its antifungal activities on Mycosphaerlla melonis and Coniella diplodiella are comparable to that of carbendazim. Its antifungal activity on Valsa mali is superior to that of the control agent, procymidone; its antifungal activities on Mycosphaerlla melonis, Coniella diplodiella and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of procymidone. Its antifungal activity on Mycosphaerlla melonis is significantly superior to that of the control agent, Azoxystrobin; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of Azoxystrobin. Its antifungal activity on Mycosphaerlla melonis is significantly superior to that of the control agent, dimethomorph; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of dimethomorph. The supplementary determination results further show that, the antifungal activity of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate on Phytophthora capsici is superior to that of the control agent, hymexazol (3-hydroxy-5-methyl isoxazole, systemic broad-spectrum fungicide).

It is indicated from the determination results of antifungal activities (Table 3, 6) that, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate has strong inhibition on the mycelial growth of the following 12 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Pythium aphanidermatum, Colletotrichum capsici, Coniella diplodiella Thanatephorus cucumeris, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora infestans, with the inhibition rate at the concentration of 1 mg/mL between 84.42% and 100%. Wherein, its antifungal activities on Valsa mali, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Colletotrichum capsici, Botrytis cinerea and Exserohilum turcicum are superior to that of the control agent, chlorothalonil; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora capsici, Pythium aphanidermatum, Coniella diplodiella Thanatephorus cucumeris and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of chlorothalonil. Its antifungal activities on Exserohilum turcicum and Phytophthora infestans are significantly superior to that of the control agent, carbendazim; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Coniella diplodiella and Botrytis cinerea are comparable to that of carbendazim. Its antifungal activities on Phytophthora capsici and Pythium aphanidermatum are significantly superior to that of the control agent, procymidone; its antifungal activities on Valsa mali and Botrytis cinerea are superior to that of procymidone; its antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Colletotrichum capsici, Coniella diplodiella Thanatephorus cucumeris, Exserohilum turcicum and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of procymidone. Its antifungal activities on Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum are significantly superior to that of the control agent, Azoxystrobin; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of Azoxystrobin. Its antifungal activities on Exserohilum turcicum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum are significantly superior to that of the control agent, dimethomorph; its antifungal activities on Mycosphaerlla melonis and Botrytis cinerea are superior to that of dimethomorph; its antifungal activity on Phytophthora infestans is comparable to that of dimethomorph. The supplementary determination results further show that, the antifungal activity of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate on Phytophthora capsici is superior to that of the control agent, hymexazol, and its antifungal activity on Pythium ultimum is superior to that of the control agent, carbendazim.

It can be seen from the comparison of antifungal activities with the control compound A (Table 1, 4) that, the antifungal activities of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 5 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, C. gossypii, F. graminearum, Botrytis cinerea and Exserohilum turcicum, are superior to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 4 plant pathogenic fungi: Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis and Phytophthora infestans, are comparable to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 4 plant pathogenic fungi: Valsa mali, F. oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Pyricularia grisea, are inferior to that of the control compound A. It is collectively evaluated that, the antifungal activities of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 9 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, C. gossypii, F graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum, Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis and Phytophthora infestans are superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.

It can be seen from the comparison of antifungal activities with the control compound A (Table 2, 5) that, the antifungal activities of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 2 plant pathogenic fungi: C. gossypii and F. graminearum, are superior to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 7 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans are comparable to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 4 plant pathogenic fungi: Phytophthora infestans, Exserohilum turcicum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Pyricularia grisea are inferior to that of the control compound A. It is collectively evaluated that, the antifungal activities of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 9 plant pathogenic fungi: C. gossypii, F graminearum, Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, F oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans are superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.

It can be seen from the comparison of antifungal activities with the control compound A (Table 3, 6) that, the antifungal activities of a ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 7 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, C. gossypii, F graminearum, Botrytis cinerea and Exserohilum turcicum, are superior to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 3 plant pathogenic fungi: Phytophthora infestans, Valsa mali and Phytophthora infestans, are comparable to that of the control compound A; its antifungal activities on the following 3 plant pathogenic fungi: F. oxysporum f sp. vasinfectum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Pyricularia grisea, are inferior to that of the control compound A. It is collectively evaluated that, the antifungal activities of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate on the following 10 plant pathogenic fungi: Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora capsici, Mycosphaerlla melonis, C. gossypii, F graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, Exserohilum turcicum, Phytophthora infestans, Valsa mali and Phytophthora infestans, are superior to or are comparable to that of the control compound A.

Embodiment 2: Determination of Allied Toxicity Function of the Combined ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) ethyl acrylate as Well as Metalaxyl and Hymexazol on Phytophthora capsici

(1) Agents for Testing

• • Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, 98% of metalaxyl technical, and 99% of hymexazol technical.

(2) Plant Pathogenic Fungi for Testing

• • P. capsici.

(3) Determination of Toxicity

• • Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate (A) as well as metalaxyl and hymexazol (B) were all mixed in the following five mass ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3, and formulated into the corresponding 6 to 8 concentration gradients for each mass ratio. The allied toxicity of Phytophthora capsici was determined with a growth rate method, with the specific determination method seen in Embodiment 1. The diameter of the colony was measured, and the inhibition rate of the mixture on the mycelial growth was calculated. The concentration of the active ingredients of the mixture in the culture medium was used as the testing concentration to calculate the toxic regression equation (Y=bx+a) and the median inhibition concentration EC₅₀, and further calculate the actual toxicity index (ATI) and the theoretical toxicity index (TTI), thus calculating the co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) at different mass ratios. The computational formula is as below:Actual toxicity index of the mixture (ATI)=(EC₅₀ of standard agent/EC₅₀ of the mixture)×100;Theoretical toxicity index of the mixture (TTI)=Toxicity index of agent A×Percentage of agent Ain the mixed formulation+Toxicity index of agent B×Percentage of agent Bin the mixed formulation;Co-toxicity coefficient (CTC)=[Actual toxicity index of the mixture (ATI)/Theoretical toxicity index of the mixture (TTI)]×100.
  • According to the co-toxicity coefficient, the allied function is comprehensively evaluated: CTC <80, antagonism; CTC >120, synergism; 80<CTC <120, additive effect.

(4) Determination Results of Toxicity

TABLE 7
Mixed				Allied
Formulation	Mass Ratio	EC50 (μg/mL)	CTC	Function
Ethyl	3:1	73.05	377.3	Synergism
3-(3′,4′-methylene	2:1	53.16	497.4	Synergism
dioxy phenyl)	1:1	70.51	346.1	Synergism
acrylate +	1:2	65.17	348.0	Synergism
Metalaxyl	1:3	106.30	206.3	Synergism
Ethyl	3:1	191.63	188.5	Synergism
3-(3′,4′-methylene	2:1	235.31	161.2	Synergism
dioxy phenyl)	1:1	301.78	140.5	Synergism
acrylate +	1:2	329.31	145.3	Synergism
Hymexazol	1:3	372.27	137.6	Synergism
Ethyl	3:1	143.11	79.4	Antagonism
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy	2:1	181.44	66.1	Antagonism
phenyl) acrylate +	1:1	222.16	60.5	Antagonism
Metalaxyl	1:2	244.72	61.4	Antagonism
	1:3	282.55	56.2	Antagonism
Ethyl	3:1	287.94	44.2	Antagonism
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy	2:1	335.50	41.8	Antagonism
phenyl) acrylate +	1:1	377.49	46.5	Antagonism
Hymexazol	1:2	474.99	48.3	Antagonism
	1:3	645.91	42.1	Antagonism

It is indicated from the determination results (Table 7) that, the mixture of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and metalaxyl has a very significant synergistic effect on Phytophthora capsici, with a co-toxicity coefficient between 206.3 and 497.4, wherein the mixture at a mass ratio of 2:1 has the most significant synergistic effect, the co-toxicity coefficient is 497.4, EC₅₀ is 53.16 μg/mL, and the relative toxicity is 5.94 or 3.75 times that of a single agent, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate or metalaxyl, respectively; while the mixture of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and hymexazol shows a certain degree of synergistic effect, with a co-toxicity coefficient between 137.6 and 188.5.

The mixture of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, metalaxyl and hymexazol shows an antagonistic effect on Phytophthora capsici, with a co-toxicity coefficient between 41.8% and 79.4%.

Embodiment 3: In-Vivo Determination of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Zucchini Powdery Mildew in a Greenhouse

(1) Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

• • 4.59 g of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate was weighed, dissolved in 25 mL xylene, then 6 g of emulsifier 0203B was added, and mixed uniformly with stirring to get 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC. 4.59 g of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate was weighed, dissolved in 25 mL xylene, then 6 g of emulsifier 0203B was added, and mixed uniformly with stirring to get 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC. 3.16 g of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate was weighed, dissolved in 25 mL xylene, then 6 g of emulsifier 0203B was added, and mixed uniformly with stirring to get 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC. 4.59 g of the control compound A was weighed, dissolved in 25 mL xylene, then 6 g of emulsifier 0203B was added, and mixed uniformly with stirring to get 14% of the control compound EC.

(2) In-Vivo Determination Method

• • Zucchini (Variety: Wuwei Xianglin extra-early 1^st generation) were cultured in pots in a greenhouse, and inoculated with Erysiphe cucurbitacearum or Sphaerotheca cucurbitae at the stage of 3 to 4 leaves. The first application was started at the early onset (onset at the first true leaf: first appearance of spots), comprising 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC, which were all diluted at the concentrations of 0.50, 0.333, 0.25, 0.20 mg/mL (active ingredients), additionally clear water was used as the control. Both sides of the leaves were sprayed evenly with a small hand-held sprayer so that the leaves were wetted by the liquor without loss. Applications were conducted every 7 days consecutively for 4 times. 10 days after the fourth application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated for the whole plant following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect. The computational formula is as below:Disease index=[(Number of disease leaves at each grade×Corresponding grade value)/(Total number of investigated leaves×9)]×100;Control effect=(Disease index of the clear water control−Treated disease index)/Disease index of the clear water control×100.

(3) Determination Results

• • It is indicated from the determination results (Table 8) that, the applications of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset have good control effects on zucchini powdery mildew. The control effects at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL are 97.11%, 97.93% and 98.63%, respectively; the control effects at the concentration of 0.333 mg/mL are 95.60%, 96.21% and 95.52%, respectively; the control effects are comparable. However, at a low concentration of 0.20 mg/mL, the control effects are 52.71%, 77.06% and 81.83%, respectively; the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, and the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate. Compared with the control compound A, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at higher concentrations (0.50, 0.333 mg/mL) are comparable to that of the control compound A; while at lower concentrations (0.25, 0.20 mg/mL), the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is comparable to that of the control compound A, and the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is inferior to that of the control compound A.

TABLE 8
		Disease Index 10
	Concentration	days after the	Control
	of Agents	Fourth	Effect
Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.50	2.33	97.11
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy	0.333	3.55	95.60
phenyl) acrylate EC	0.25	19.72	75.57
	0.20	38.18	52.71
14% of ethyl	0.50	1.67	97.93
3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy	0.333	3.06	96.21
phenyl) acrylate EC	0.25	15.64	80.63
	0.20	18.52	77.06
10% of ethyl	0.50	1.11	98.63
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl)	0.333	3.70	95.42
acrylate EC	0.25	9.80	87.86
	0.20	14.68	81.83
14% of the control	0.50	1.73	97.86
compound A EC	0.333	3.50	95.66
	0.25	14.95	81.48
	0.20	20.60	74.48
CK (clear water)	—	80.73	—

Embodiment 4: In-Vivo Determination of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Marrow Bean Powdery Mildew in a Greenhouse

(1) Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

• • The same as that in Embodiment 3.

(2) In-Vivo Determination Method

• • Marrow bean (Variety: Thailand Jiadouwang) were cultured in pots in a greenhouse, and inoculated with E. polygoni at the stage of 4 leaves. The first application was started at the early onset (onset at the first true leaf: first appearance of spots), comprising 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC, which were all diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143, 0.10 mg/mL (active ingredients), the control agent, 12.5% of myclobutanil EC (North China pharmaceutical Group, Ainuo Co. Ltd.), was also diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143, 0.10 mg/mL (active ingredients), additionally clear water was used as the control. Both sides of the leaves were sprayed evenly with a small hand-held sprayer so that the leaves were wetted by the liquor without loss. Applications were conducted every 7 days consecutively for 4 times. 10 days after the fourth application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated for the whole plant following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect.

(3) Determination Results

• • It is indicated from the determination results (Table 9) that, the applications of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset have good control effects on marrow bean powdery mildew. The control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to those of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate. The control effects at the concentration of 0.20 mg/mL are 100%, 94.51% and 95.49%, respectively; the control effects at the concentration of 0.143 mg/mL are 97.09%, 91.16% and 95.20%, respectively; the control effects at the concentration of 0.10 mg/mL are 83.69%, 77.26% and 75.92%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of the control compound A, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A. However, the control effects of the three compounds and the control compound A are all inferior to the control effect of 12.5% myclobutanil EC (100%, 100% and 99.61%) at the same concentration.

TABLE 9
	Concen-	Average	Disease Index
	tration	Disease Index	10 days after	Control
	of Agents	before	the Fourth	Effect
Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	Application	Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.20	2.98	2.83	94.51
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy	0.143		4.55	91.16
phenyl) acrylate EC	0.10		11.71	77.26
14% of ethyl	0.20	2.98	2.09	95.94
3-(3′,4′-methylene	0.143		2.47	95.20
dioxy phenyl) acrylate	0.10		12.40	75.92
EC
10% of ethyl	0.20	2.98	0.00	100.00
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy	0.143		1.50	97.09
phenyl) acrylate EC	0.10		8.40	83.69
14% of the control	0.20	2.98	3.10	93.98
compound A EC	0.143		4.50	91.26
	0.10		12.10	76.51
12.5% of myclobutanil	0.20	2.98	0.00	100.00
EC	0.143		0.00	100.00
	0.10		0.20	99.61
CK (clear water)	—	2.98	51.50	—

Embodiment 5: In-Vivo Determination of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Wheat Powdery Mildew in a Greenhouse

(1) Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

The same as that in Embodiment 3.

(2) In-Vivo Determination Method

• • Winter wheat (Variety: Huixian Red) was sown in pots in a greenhouse, and inoculated with a fresh spore suspension of Blumeria graminis f. sp. trilici by spraying on its leaves and stems at the stage of 2 leaves. The first application was started at the early onset of powdery mildew. Both sides of the leaves were sprayed evenly with a small hand-held sprayer so that the leaves were wetted by the liquor without loss. 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC were all diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL (active ingredients); the control agent, 15% of triazolone WP, was also diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL (active ingredients), additionally clear water was used as the control. Applications were conducted every 7 days consecutively for 3 times. 10 days after the last application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect.

(3) Determination Results

• • It is indicated from the determination results (Table 10) that, the application of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset has a good control effect on wheat powdery mildew. The control effects at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL are 91.55%, 79.47% respectively, which are superior to those of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate (67.60%, 64.75% and 77.65%, 74.28%). Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is comparable to that of the control compound A, and the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is inferior to that of the control compound A. However, the control effects of the three compounds and the control compound A are all inferior to the control effect of 15% triazolone WP (100% and 100%) at the same concentration.

TABLE 10
	Concen-	Average	Disease Index
	tration	Disease Index	10 days after	Control
	of Agents	before	the Third	Effect
Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	Application	Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.20	2.13	25.69	67.60
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy	0.143		27.95	64.75
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of ethyl	0.20	2.13	17.72	77.65
3-(3′,4′-methylene	0.143		20.39	74.28
dioxy phenyl) acrylate
EC
10% of ethyl	0.20	2.13	6.70	91.55
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy	0.143		16.28	79.47
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of the control	0.20	2.13	15.60	80.33
compound A EC	0.143		19.10	75.91
15% of triazolone WP	0.20	2.13	0.00	100.00
	0.143		0.00	100.00
CK (clear water)	—	2.13	79.29	—

Embodiment 6: In-Vivo Determination of the Modes of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Wheat Powdery Mildew in a Greenhouse

(1) Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

• • The same as that in Embodiment 3.

(2) In-Vivo Determination Method

• • Winter wheat (Variety: Huixian Red) was sown in pots in a greenhouse, and inoculated with a fresh spore suspension of Blumeria graminis f. sp. trilici by spraying on its leaves and stems at the stage of 2 leaves, for which one treatment was inoculation followed by application 48 h later, the control is sprayed with clear water; another treatment is application followed by inoculation 48 h later. 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC were all diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL (active ingredients); the control agent, 15% of triazolone WP (Jiangsu Sword Agrochemicals Co., Ltd.), was also diluted at the concentrations of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL (active ingredients). Both sides of the leaves were sprayed evenly with a small hand-held sprayer so that the leaves were wetted by the liquor without loss. Applications were conducted every 7 days consecutively for 3 times. 10 days after the last application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect.

(3) Determination Results

• • It is indicated from the determination results (Table 11) that, from the view of the control effects on wheat powdery mildew at different concentrations, ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate have good control effects on wheat powdery mildew. The control effect at the concentration of 0.20 mg/mL is between 91.30% and 95.94%, and the control effect at the concentration of 0.143 mg/mL is between 83.77% and 87.79%; from the view of the control effects on wheat powdery mildew by different modes, for the 3 compounds at the concentrations of 0.20 and 0.143 mg/mL, the control effects for application followed by inoculation and inoculation followed by application are comparable, indicating that the 3 compounds have both protective and therapeutical effects on the control of wheat powdery mildew, and the protective and therapeutical effects are comparable. Compared with the control compound A, the control effects of the 3 compounds on powdery mildew are comparable to that of the control compound A, and the modes are also the same as that of the control compound A. The control agent, 15% of triazolone WP, has a very high control effect on wheat powdery mildew, both up to 100% at the concentration of 0.20 and 0.143 mg/mL, which has both protective and therapeutical effects on the control of wheat powdery mildew, and the protective and therapeutical effects are comparable.

TABLE 11
	Concen-		Disease Index
	tration		10 Days after	Control
	of Agents		the Third	Effect
Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	Modes	Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.20	Application	4.20	94.12
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy		Followed by
phenyl) acrylate EC		Inoculation
		Inoculation	4.44	93.78
		Followed by
		Application
	0.143	Application	11.59	83.77
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	10.74	84.96
		Followed by
		Application
14% of ethyl	0.20	Application	6.21	91.30
3-(3′,4′-methylene		Followed by
dioxy phenyl) acrylate		Inoculation
EC		Inoculation	2.90	95.94
		Followed by
		Application
	0.143	Application	8.72	87.79
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	8.85	87.61
		Followed by
		Application
10% of ethyl	0.20	Application	4.80	93.28
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy		Followed by
phenyl) acrylate EC		Inoculation
		Inoculation	3.45	95.17
		Followed by
		Application
	0.143	Application	10.13	85.81
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	9.52	86.67
		Followed by
		Application
14% of the control	0.20	Application	5.31	92.56
compound A EC		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	4.22	94.09
		Followed by
		Application
	0.143	Application	9.41	86.82
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	10.56	85.21
		Followed by
		Application
15% of triazolone WP	0.20	Application	0.00	100.00
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	0.00	100.00
		Followed by
		Application
	0.143	Application	0.00	100.00
		Followed by
		Inoculation
		Inoculation	0.00	100.00
		Followed by
		Application
CK (clear water)	—	—	71.42	—

Embodiment 7: In-Vivo Determination of Ethyl 3-(3′-Fluoro-4′-Methoxy Phenyl) Acrylate, Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Damping-Off of Solanceous Vegetables in a Greenhouse

(1) Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

• • The same as that in Embodiment 3.

(2) In-Vivo Determination Method

• • Sick soil of damping-off (P. aphanidermatum, P capsici) was collected from the fields of tomatoes, eggplants and peppers in solar greenhouse, and mixed evenly in equal proportion. Tomatoes (Variety: Song Tian Fen Yang Yang, 100 grains), eggplants (Variety: Lanza No. 2 F₁ long eggplant, 100 grains), pepper (Longjiao 2 F₁, 100 grains) were seeded quantitatively with the sick soil in pots (diameter: 15 cm) in a greenhouse, additionally with sterile vermiculite as the control (each 100 grains for determining the germination rate). 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC were all diluted at the concentration of 0.80 mg/mL (active ingredients); the control agents, 50% of carbendazim WP (Hebei Guanlong Agrochemicals Co., Ltd.) and 75% chlorothalonil WP (Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd.) were also diluted at the concentration of 0.80 mg/mL (active ingredients); additionally clear water was used as the control, 200 mL liquor was filled for each pot. Mortality of seedlings was investigated after the seedlings had grown 2 true leaves, and the control effect of each treatment on damping-off was calculated. The computational formula is as below:Mortality of Seedlings (%)=[number of survival seedlings in the seeded grains−number of seeded grains×(100%−germination rate)]/number of seeded grains×100;Control Effect (%)=(mortality of control seedlings−mortality of treated seedlings)/mortality of control seedlings×100.

(3) Determination Results

• • It is indicated from the determination results (Table 12) that, for tomato damping-off, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is higher, up to 51.02%, which is superior to those of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate; compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of the control compound A, and the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A. For eggplant damping-off, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate both have higher control effects, 53.63% and 48.71% respectively, which are superior to that of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate; compared with the control compound A, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A, and the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate is inferior to that of the control compound A. For pepper damping-off, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate all have higher control effects, 64.57%, 56.47% and 52% respectively; compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is superior to that of the control compound A, and the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are slightly superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.

It is collectively evaluated that, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate has a good performance on the control effect of pepper damping-off, which can be promoted and applied in the production. The control effects of the 3 compounds and the control compound A on damping-off of tomatoes, eggplants and peppers are all superior to those of the control agents, 75% of chlorothalonil WP and 50% of carbendazim WP.

TABLE 12
			Mortality
Name of		Concentration	of	Control
Solanceous		of Agents	Seedlings	Effect
Vegetables	Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	(%)	(%)
Tomato	14% of ethyl	0.80	41.00	51.02
	3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of ethyl	0.80	55.00	34.29
	3-(3′,4′-methylene
	dioxy phenyl) acrylate
	EC
	10% of ethyl	0.80	61.70	26.28
	3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of the control	0.80	59.00	29.50
	compound A EC
	75% of chlorothalonil	0.80	77.00	8.01
	WP
	50% of carbendazim	0.80	73.00	12.78
	WP
	CK (clear water)	—	83.70	—
Eggplant	14% of ethyl	0.80	53.70	33.95
	3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of ethyl	0.80	37.70	53.63
	3-(3′,4′-methylene
	dioxy phenyl) acrylate
	EC
	10% of ethyl	0.80	41.70	48.71
	3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of the control	0.80	40.55	50.12
	compound A EC
	75% of chlorothalonil	0.80	73.00	10.21
	WP
	50% of carbendazim	0.80	66.30	18.45
	WP
	CK (clear water)	—	81.30	—
Pepper	14% of ethyl	0.80	36.00	56.47
	3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of ethyl	0.80	39.70	52.00
	3-(3′,4′-methylene
	dioxy phenyl) acrylate
	EC
	10% of ethyl	0.80	29.30	64.57
	3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy
	phenyl) acrylate EC
	14% of the control	0.80	40.46	51.08
	compound A EC
	75% of chlorothalonil	0.80	51.30	37.97
	WP
	50% of carbendazim	0.80	72.70	12.09
	WP
	CK (clear water)	—	82.70	—

It is collectively evaluated according to the in-vivo determination results in a greenhouse that:

• • (I) The applications of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate all have good control effects on zucchini powdery mildew at the early onset. The control effects at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL are 97.11%, 97.93% and 98.63%, respectively; the control effects at the concentration of 0.333 mg/mL are 95.60%, 96.21% and 95.52%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effects of the 3 compounds at higher concentrations (0.50, 0.333 mg/mL) are comparable to that of the control compound A; while at lower concentrations (0.25, 0.20 mg/mL), the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.
  • (II) The applications of the 3 compounds at the early onset all have good control effects on marrow bean powdery mildew. The control effects at the concentration of 0.20 mg/mL are 100%, 94.51% and 95.49%, respectively; the control effects at the concentration of 0.143 mg/mL are 97.09%, 91.16% and 95.20%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effects of the 3 compounds are all superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.
  • (III) The application of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset has a good control effect on wheat powdery mildew. The control effects at the concentration of 0.20, 0.143 mg/mL are 91.55%, 79.47%, respectively, which are superior to those of the other 2 compounds. Compared with the control compound A, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A. The modes of the 3 compounds for controlling wheat powdery mildew have both protective and therapeutic effects, and the protective and therapeutic effects are comparable, which modes are the same as that of triazolone and also the same as that of the control compound.
  • (IV) Ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate has a high control effect on tomato damping-off, up to 51.02%, which is superior to that of the control compound A. Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate both have high control effects on eggplant damping-off, which are 53.63% and 48.71%, respectively, comparable to that of the control compound A. The 3 compounds all have high control effects on pepper damping-off, which are 64.57%, 56.47% and 52%, respectively, superior to or comparable to that of the control compound A.

Embodiment 8 the Field Efficiency Tests of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A

Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrate

The same as that in Embodiment 3.

8.1 the Field Efficiency Tests of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Zucchini Powdery Mildew

(1) The Field Efficiency Test Method

• • The variety of zucchini was Zaoqing F1 (manufactured by Wuwei Dadi Seed Industry Co., Ltd.), which was sown on Jul. 29, 2016. The first application was started on August 26^th, at the early onset of powdery mildew (the average disease index is 10.07). The instrument for application was Agrolex HD 400 Model hand operating knapsack sprayer, which employed a cone nozzle. Each agent was formulated into the desired concentrations according to the usage amount of the control clear water. Both sides of the leaves were sprayed evenly so that the leaves were wetted by the liquor without loss. 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC were all diluted at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL (active ingredients); the control agent, 430 g/L of tebuconazole SC (manufactured by Yantai Keda Chemical Co., Ltd.), was also diluted at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL (active ingredient), additionally clear water was used as the control. Thereafter, applications were conducted every 7 days consecutively for 4 times. 10 days after the last application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated for the whole plant following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect.

(2) Test Results

TABLE 13
		Average
	Concen-	Disease	Disease Index
	tration	Index	10 days after	Control
	of Agents	before	the Fourth	Effect
Name of Agents	(mg/mL)	Application	Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.50	10.07	12.19	85.82
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of ethyl	0.50	10.07	12.41	85.56
3-(3′,4′-methylene
dioxy phenyl) acrylate
EC
10% of ethyl	0.50	10.07	6.94	91.93
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of the control		10.07		87.02
compound A EC
430 g/L of tebuconazole	0.50	10.07	53.50	37.74
SC
clear water control	—	10.07	85.94	—

The field efficiency test (Table 13) shows that, the application of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset has a good control effect on zucchini powdery mildew. The control effect at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL can be up to 91.93%; followed by ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, the control effects of which are 85.82% and 85.56%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is better, while the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A. The control effects of the 3 compounds and the control compound A are all significantly superior to that of the control agent, 430 g/L of tebuconazole SC (37.74%).

8.2 the Field Efficiency Test of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate and the Control Compound A on the Control of Cucumber Powdery Mildew

(1) The Field Efficiency Test Method

• • 14% of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate EC, 10% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate EC and 14% of the control compound A EC were all diluted at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL (liquid 2000 folds of active ingredients); the control agent, 10% of dimethomorph EW, was also diluted at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL (liquid 2000 folds of active ingredients); the control agent, 80% of mancozeb WP, was diluted as 500 fold liquid according to the usage amount of the formulation; the control agents, 12.5% of myclobutanil EC, 25% of propiconazole EC, 430 g/L of tebuconazole SC, 10% of hexaconazole EC and 37% of difenoconazole EC, were all diluted as 1500 fold liquid according to the usage amount of the formulation; additionally clear water was used as the control. The first application was started on Jun. 15, 2018, and E. cichoracearum was inoculated on June 17^th (the diseased leaves were harvested from the solar greenhouse near the military airfield at Xiaguanying town, Yuzhong County, moisturized in the greenhouse for 2 days, then shredded, and filtered over a gauze, the filtrate was sprayed onto both sides of the cucumber leaves with the cone nozzle of an electric sprayer for inoculation). The second, third and fourth applications were conducted on June 23rd, July 2nd, and July 9th respectively, the water consumptions of which were adjusted promptly according to the amount of water desired for spraying evenly onto both sides of the control leaves. 10 days after the fourth application, the number of disease leaves at each grade of powdery mildew was investigated following the grading standard of 9 grades, to calculate the disease index and the control effect.

TABLE 14
	Concentration of
	Agents or Dilution	Disease Index 10	Control
	Factor (mg/mL,	days after the	Effect
Name of Agents	Fold Liquid)	Fourth Application	(%)
14% of ethyl	0.50	21.57	78.42
3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of ethyl	0.50	19.05	80.95
3-(3′,4′-methylene
dioxy phenyl) acrylate
EC
10% of ethyl	0.50	14.82	85.18
3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy
phenyl) acrylate EC
14% of the control	0.50	17.98	82.02
compound A EC
10% of dimethomorph	0.50	71.10	28.90
EW
80% of mancozeb WP	500	0	100
12.5% of myclobutanil	1500	16.30	83.70
EC
25% of propiconazole	1500	6.06	93.93
EC
430 g/L of tebuconazole	1500	14.29	85.71
SC
10% of hexaconazole	1500	5.56	94.44
EC
37% of	1500	11.11	88.89
difenoconazoleEC
CK (clear water)	—	100	—

(2) Test Results

• • The test results (Table 14) show that, the application of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate before the onset has a good control effect on cucumber powdery mildew. The control effect at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL can be up to 85.18%, which is comparable to the control effects of the control agent, 12.5% of myclobutanil EC, 430 g/L of tebuconazole SC and 37% of difenoconazole EC 1500 fold liquid (the amount of the formulation) (83.70%, 85.71% and 88.89%, respectively), and inferior to the control effect of the control agent, 80% of mancozeb WP 500 fold liquid (100%) as well as the control effects of 25% of propiconazole EC and 10% of hexaconazole EC 1500 fold liquid (93.93% and 94.44%, respectively), but significantly superior to the control effect of the control agent, 10% of dimethomorph EW (28.90%). Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate both have higher control effects of 80.95% and 78.42%, respectively, which are a little lower than that of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, and inferior to those of the following 6 control agents: mancozeb, myclobutanil, propiconazole, tebuconazole, hexaconazole and difenoconazole, but significantly superior to that of the control agent, 10% of dimethomorph EW. Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is better, and the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A.
  • The test results further show that, 12.5% of myclobutanil EC, 25% of propiconazole EC, 430 g/L of tebuconazole SC and 10% of hexaconazole EC have phytotoxicities to cucumber at the concentration of 1500 fold liquid, displaying that the leaves become dark green, the leaves become thicker and harder, internodes become shorter, and the inhibition on the growth. The 3 compounds, the control compound A and 37% of difenoconazole EC are safe for cucumber at the test doses.

It is collectively evaluated according to the field efficiency test results that:

• • (I) The applications of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate, ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate at the early onset have good control effects on zucchini powdery mildew. The control effects at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL are 91.93%, 85.82% and 85.56%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is better, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate and 14% of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A. The control effects of the 3 compounds and the control compound A are all superior to that of a triazole fungicide, tebuconazole.
  • (II) The application of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate before the onset has a good control effect on cucumber powdery mildew. The control effect at the concentration of 0.50 mg/mL can be up to 85.18%, being comparable to those of triazole fungicide myclobutanil, tebuconazole and difenoconazole. Ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate have higher control effects, which are 80.95% and 78.42%, respectively. Compared with the control compound A, the control effect of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-dimethoxy phenyl) acrylate is better, the control effects of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate and ethyl 3-(3′-fluoro-4′-methoxy phenyl) acrylate are comparable to that of the control compound A. The control effects of the 3 compounds and the control compound A are all superior to that of an acrylamide fungicide, dimethomorph.
  • (III) The 3 compounds and the control compound A are safe for zucchini and cucumber at the test doses.

Unless otherwise specified, compounds or fungicides used in the present invention are all known materials or commercial products.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a fungal disease of crops with a cinnamate compound, wherein the fungal disease is pepper downy blight and the cinnamate compound is ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate as an antifungal active ingredient A, further combined with antigungal active ingredient B selected from metalaxyl or hymexazol wherein the chemical structure of ethyl 3-(3′,4′-methylene dioxy phenyl) acrylate is as below:

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a mass ratio of the antifungal active ingredient A to the antifungal active ingredient B is 1:3 to 3:1.