Bemnisia tabaci feeding induces pathogenesis-related proteins in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Antony, B.; Palaniswami, M.S.
Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics 43(3): 182-185
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1208 PMID: 16967908 Document Number: 601919
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranzts) plants fed upon by whitefly Bemisia tabaci showed increased levels of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, such as beta-1, 3-glucanase, peroxidase and chitinase activities, as compared to uninfested plants. The enzymes increased in specific activities from 2 to 7 fold and protein content in leaf extracts decreased in whitefly-infested plants, compared to uninfested plants. Among the three PR proteins, B. tabaci feeding induced significantly higher beta-1, 3-glucanase activities, when compared with other two PR proteins. Study also discussed the possible application of PR proteins in whitefly control program.