title: Expression of poplar chitinase in tomato leads to inhibition of development in colorado potato beetle.
abstract: The previously described poplar chitinase, WIN6, is induced during infestation by gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae, thus suggesting a role in defense against insect pests. To test this hypothesis, we produced tomato seedlings infected with a recombinant potato virus X (PVX), which produces WIN6, and tested its insecticidal properties on Colorado potato beetle [CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)], which is a serious pest of tomatoes and other crops. The advantage of PVX is that plant material is ready for insect bioassay within 3-4 weeks of constructing the recombinant virus. Considering that production of transgenic tomato seedlings using Agrobacterium takes at least 6 months, this hastens the rate at which genes can be examined. Upon insect bioassay, only 47% CPB neonates feeding on leaves containing >0.3% w/w WIN6 developed to 2nd instar while 93% of controls reached 2nd instar. To our knowledge this is the first plant chitinase that retards development of an insect pest.
authors.affiliation: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Insect Biocontrol Laboratory, BARC-West, Bldg. 011A, Room 214, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA. Lawrencs@ba.ars.usda.gov
authors.forename: Susan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Nicole G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Novak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002688:Chitinases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000254:growth & development*; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000469:parasitology; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins; D018749:RNA, Plant; D002688:Chitinases; C089149:Win6 protein, Populus trichocarpa