Resistance to both cyst and root-knot nematodes conferred by transgenic Arabidopsis expressing a modified plant cystatin.
Plant nematodes are major pests of agriculture. Transgenic plant technology has been developed based on the use of proteinase inhibitors as nematode anti-feedants. The approach offers prospects for novel plant resistance and reduced use of environmentally damaging nematicides. A modified rice cystatin, Oc-I delta D86, expressed as a transgene in Arabidopsis thaliana, has a profound effect on the size and fecundity of females for both Heterodera schachtii (beet-cyst nematode) and Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode). No females of either species achieved the minimum size they require for egg production. Ingestion of Oc-I delta D86 from the plant was correlated with loss of cysteine proteinase activity in the intestine thereby suppressing normal growth, as required of an effective antifeedant plant defence.
Urwin
P E
PE
Centre for Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Leeds, UK.
Lilley
C J
CJ
McPherson
M J
MJ
Atkinson
H J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000166:cytology / Q000469:parasitology*; D001937:Brassica / Q000469:parasitology; D015891:Cystatins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D009348:Nematoda / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology*; D012275:Oryza; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D018517:Plant Roots; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis
D015891:Cystatins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins