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An uracil-azo derivative of quinoline, 1,3-dimethyl-5-(8′-quinolinyl-azo)-6-aminouracil (H2L, 1), was synthesized and then converted into its atropisomers, 1,3-dimethyl-8-(8′-quinolinyl)azaxanthine (α-atropisomer (2) and β-atropisomer (3)). It is indeed a notable accomplishment that the atropisomers were synthesized selectively under dissimilar reaction conditions. Additionally, an axially elongated 5-coordinated distorted square pyramidal copper(II)-complex, [CuII(HL)(H2O)2]NO3 (4), was synthesized from H2L, where it acts as a tridentate ligand. Single crystals of compounds 2–4 were analyzed for their stereochemical characterization. The compounds (2 and 3) belong to the same space group P21 with Z = 2. Based on a torsional angle about N3–N2–C1–C9, which is 48.7(2)° for the α-atropisomer (2) and −48.7(2)° for the β-atropisomer (3), respectively, they are revealed to be atropisomers. According to TD-DFT analysis, the α-atropisomer (2) is 0.05 kcal mol−1 more energetically stable than the β-atropisomer (3). The 5-coordinated Cu1 centre adopts a distorted square pyramidal geometry (space group P21/n, Z = 4), wherein the coordination sites were occupied by three-N and two O-donor atoms from the HL− moiety and the two H2O molecules, respectively. The polycrystalline sample of 4 was subjected to direct current (dc) variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies over the temperature range of 1.8–300 K. The magnetic study suggests that copper(II) ions in the crystal lattice have a weak antiferromagnetic interaction, demonstrating the complex to be a mononuclear species. According to the EPR study, the distorted square-pyramidal copper(II) complex may have a dx2−y2 orbital as a ground state. All the compounds have shown significant efficacy against the bacterial plant pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum Smith. and the fungal plant pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn., which cause bacterial wilting of solanaceous crops and sheath blight of rice, respectively. Besides, the atropisomers have demonstrated effectiveness against another bacterial plant pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzaepv. oryzae. that causes bacterial blight of rice. The atropisomers thus differ with respect to biological efficacy towards both bacterial and fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil borne pathogens are significant contributor of plant yield loss globally. The constraints in early diagnosis, wide host range, longer persistence in soil makes their management cumbersome and difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to devise innovative and effective management strategy to combat the losses caused by soil borne diseases. The use of chemical pesticides is the mainstay of current plant disease management practices that potentially cause ecological imbalance. Nanotechnology presents a suitable alternative to overcome the challenges associated with diagnosis and management of soil-borne plant pathogens. This review explores the use of nanotechnology for the management of soil-borne diseases using a variety of strategies, such as nanoparticles acting as a protectant, as carriers of actives like pesticides, fertilizers, antimicrobials, and microbes or by promoting plant growth and development. Nanotechnology can also be used for precise and accurate detection of soil-borne pathogens for devising efficient management strategy. The unique physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles allow greater penetration and interaction with biological membrane thereby increasing its efficacy and releasability. However, the nanoscience specifically agricultural nanotechnology is still in its toddler stage and to realize its full potential, extensive field trials, utilization of pest crop host system and toxicological studies are essential to tackle the fundamental queries associated with development of commercial nano-formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]