Behavioural dynamics in the biological control of pests: role of silicon complexes

The complexes of silicon (IV) with Schiff base ligands (L₁H and L₂H of isatin derivatives) having a sulfur and oxygen donor system were prepared by the reactions in methanol environment. These were isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations and conductance measurements. On the basis of electronic, infrared, ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR spectral studies, trigonal bipyramidal geometry was suggested for the resulting complexes. These data support preferential binding of sulfur and oxygen atom to the silicon atom. The disease resistance activities of the ligands and their corresponding complexes were examined successfully in in vitro and in vivo experiments, against pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Results were quite encouraging and these were compared with the standard pesticides Bavistin and Streptomycin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.