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Soybean seed coat chitinase as a defense protein against the stored product pest Callosobruchus maculatus
Author(s) -
Silva Nadia CM,
Conceição Jamile G,
Ventury Kayan Eudorico,
De Sá Leonardo FR,
Oliveira Eduardo AG,
Santos Izabela S,
Gomes Valdirene M,
Costa Monique N,
Ferreira Andre TS,
Perales Jonas,
XavierFilho Jose,
Fernandes Kátia VS,
Oliveira Antonia EA
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4832
Subject(s) - chitinase , callosobruchus maculatus , chitin , biology , insect , cuticle (hair) , plant defense against herbivory , botany , biochemistry , pest analysis , enzyme , genetics , chitosan , gene
BACKGROUND Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) are enzymes involved in the breaking of the β‐1,4‐glycosidic linkages of chitin. In insects, chitin is present mainly in the cuticle and in peritrophic membranes and peritrophic gel. Enzymes with the potential to damage peritrophic membranes and gel, such as chitinase, have been associated with plant defense systems. Identification and characterization of seed coat chitinase as a plant defense molecule may indicate a more effective target for manipulation strategies, which may lead to the prevention of consumption of embryonic tissues by larvae and consequently minimization of seed damage. RESULTS We studied the efficiency of soybean seed coat chitinase as a defense molecule against the insect Callosobruchus maculatus . The seed coat chitinase was isolated and identified by mass spectrometry, immunoreacted with an anti‐chitinase antibody and shown to have activity against chitin azure and 4‐methylumbelliferyl β‐D‐N,N′,N′′‐triacetylchitotrioside. A chitinase fraction incorporated in artificial cotyledons at 0.1% reduced larval survival by approximately 77%, and at 0.5%, the reduction in larval mass was 60%. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled chitinase was detected in the guts and feces of larvae. At 25% in thick artificial seed coats, chitinase showed a high toxicity to larvae, with mortality of 90% and a reduction of larval mass of 87%. CONCLUSION Seed coat chitinase is an important seed defense molecule not only in the cotyledons but also in seed coats, acting as part of the array of defense mechanisms against Callosobruchus maculatus . © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry