Diacetylverrucarol is a natural

trichothecene The trichothecenes are a large family of chemically related mycotoxins. They are produced by various species of ''Fusarium'', ''Myrothecium'', ''Trichoderma''/''Podostroma'', '' Trichothecium'', ''Cephalosporium'', '' Verticimonosporium'', and ''S ...

produced by the fungus ''

Myrothecium verrucaria ''Myrothecium verrucaria'' is a species of fungus in the order Hypocreales. A plant pathogen, it is common throughout the world, often found on materials such as paper, textiles, canvas and cotton. It is a highly potent cellulose decomposer. It ...

''. Chemically, it is an acetate derivative of verrucarol. :

Herbicide use

Trichothecenes have been found to cause growth retardation, wilting,

chlorosis In botany, chlorosis is a condition in which leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll. As chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of leaves, chlorotic leaves are pale, yellow, or yellow-white. The affected plant has little or no ability to ...

, and necrosis in some plants. It can work in poor conditions, even where there is very little or no moisture. Diacetylverrucarol is undergoing study for its successful effects at reducing or killing the kudzu weed. It is prepared through liquid fermentation of ''Myrothecium verrucaria''

mycelium Mycelium (plural mycelia) is a root-like structure of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Fungal colonies composed of mycelium are found in and on soil and many other substrates. A typical single spore germinates ...

after which it can be used as a pesticide. This causes very little harm to the plants that the kudzu plant displaces. Results appeared within 24 hours and the kudzu plant's roots were diseased after 14 days. In greenhouse experiments the fungus killed 100 percent of the kudzu seeds, and, in outdoor trials, 90-100 percent of older plants. The fungus is undergoing study to reduce the diacetylverrucarol presence to reduce side effects. Because it is a trichothecene, it has significant toxicity. If swallowed by humans, the initial symptoms are general discomfort, dry eyes, and drowsiness. If a larger dose is consumed, symptoms of a hemorrhagic fever will occur, as well as mental impairment. Other animals are susceptible as well, and can experience growth retardation, reproductive disorders, and vomiting if the substance is consumed.

References

{{reflist Trichothecenes Acetate esters Epoxides Herbicides