Evaluation of Pinocembrin Dihydrochalcone Properties for Potential Use as a Biopesticide

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has not only resulted in increased resistance among weeds and pests, leading to significant economic loss but has also raised serious health and environmental concerns. In line with the European Green Deal 2030, and its Farm to Fork strategy, a 50% reduction of chemical pesticide is aimed by 2030, promoting a transition towards more sustainable, natural alternatives. Chalcones and their derivatives, known for their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, are emerging as promising candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have long been recognized for their beneficial health effects and wide-ranging applications. Dihydrochalcones, a class of secondary metabolites, continue to attract growing interest in both biological and pharmacological fields due to their health-promoting properties, making them potential candidates for further research and development. However, their limited concentration in plants, along with poor solubility and bioavailability, brings challenges for their development. The aim of this study was to provide information on the properties of synthetic substance, namely pinocembrin dihydrochalcone (3-phenyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone) such as soil dissipation and adsorption in the soil and its potential for degradation. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay along with reducing power experiments.