Enhanced pest resistance of maize leaves expressing monocot crop plant-derived ribosome-inactivating protein and agglutinin.
Although many insect resistance genes have been identified, the number of studies examining their effects in combination using transgenic systems is limited. This study introduced a construct into maize containing the coding sequence for maize ribosome-inactivating protein (MRIP) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Many transformants produced both the MRIP and WGA in leaves. Mature leaves expressing higher levels of these two proteins were more resistant to feeding by first-instar larvae of fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) and corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea), and the level of resistance was correlated with levels of MRIP and WGA. There was also some indication that resistance to Fusarium verticillioides was increased in the transgenic plant leaves. No statistically significant synergism or antagonism occurred between the activities of the two proteins. MRIP and WGA represent compatible class examples of food plant-derived proteins for multigene resistance to insects.
Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, USA. patrick.dowd@ars.usda.gov
Patrick F
PF
Dowd
Eric T
ET
Johnson
Neil P
NP
Price
D000373:Agglutinins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D060467:Disease Resistance; D009036:Moths / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D054788:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014908:Triticum / Q000235:genetics; D015854:Up-Regulation; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology
D000373:Agglutinins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D054788:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins