(2E,4Z)-decadienoic acid and (2E,4Z,7Z)-decatrienoic acid, two herbicidal metabolites from Streptomyces viridochromogenes Tu 6105

Two fatty acids, (2E,4Z)-decadienoic acid and (2E,4Z,7Z) -decatrienoic acid , the latter being described for the first time as a natural product, were detected in the culture filtrate of Streptomyces viridochromogenes Tu 6105 by HPLC-diode array screening, purified by chromatographic methods and stru cturally elucidated by NMR techniques. Both metabolites show strong herbici dal activity against Lemna minor and Lepidium sativum. The herbicidal activ ities of the isolated compounds were compared with those of similar fatty a cids and derivatives. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.