A new potential aphicide against Myzus persicae: Design, synthesis and 3D-QSAR of novel phenoxypyridine derivatives containing 4-aminopyrimidine

•31 novel phenoxypyridine derivatives containing 4-aminopyrimidine were designed and synthesized as potential aphicides against Myzus persicae by using efficient intermediate derivatization method.•An accurate and reliable 3D-QSAR model revealed that electrostatic and steric fields played important roles on aphicidal activity, which provided a useful clue for further optimization of new phenoxypyridine analogues.•Compound T11 showed better activity in vivo (LC50=0.34 mg⋅L − 1) than that of the control agents Pymetrozine and Flufenerim, and can be regarded as a promising aphicide candidate for further development.