ARS | Publication request: Effects of antinutrient proteins on Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) larvae

Submitted to: International Plant Resistance to Insects Workshop Abstracts & Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2012
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Citation: Shukle, R.H., Subramanyam, S., Williams, C.E. 2012. Effects of antinutrient proteins on Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)larvae [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 20th Biennial International Plant Resistance to Insect Workshop. April 1-4, 2012, Minneapolis, Minnesota. p. 25.

Technical Abstract: One strategy to enhance the durability of Hessian fly resistance (R) genes in wheat is to combine them with transgenes for resistance. To identify potential transgenes for resistance a protocol for rapidly screening the proteins they encode for efficacy toward resistance is required. However, the Hessian fly is an obligate parasite of wheat and related grasses. Consequently, no protocol for in vitro delivery of antinutrient or toxic proteins to feeding larvae is available. We report here the development of a Hessian fly in plant translocation feeding assay and the evaluation of eight lectins and the Bowman-Birk serine proteinase inhibitor for potential in transgenic resistance. Of the antinutrient proteins evaluated, Galanthus nivalis L. agglutinin (GNA), commonly termed snowdrop lectin, was the most efficacious. Ingestion of GNA caused a significant reduction in growth of Hessian fly larvae, disruption of midgut microvilli, and changes in transcript level of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and stress response.