Efficient Protocol for Improving the Development of Cryopreserved Embryonic Axes of Chestnut ( Mill.) by Encapsulation-Vitrification.

An optimized cryopreservation protocol for embryonic axes (EAs) of chestnut ( Mill.) has been developed based on the encapsulation-vitrification procedure. EAs of mature seeds were aseptically dissected and encapsulated in alginate beads with or without 0.

Mannose-binding lectin from yam (Dioscorea batatas) tubers with insecticidal properties against Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The amino acid sequence of mannose-binding lectin, named DB1, from the yam (Dioscorea batatas, synonym Dioscorea polystachya) tubers was determined. The lectin was composed of two isoforms DB1(Cys86) and DB1(Leu86) consisting of 108 amino acid residues with 90% sequence homology between them. DB1 showed a high sequence similarity to snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) bulb lectin, GNA; especially, the carbohydrate-binding sites of GNA were highly conserved in DB1.

Characterization of the yam tuber storage proteins from Dioscorea batatas exhibiting unique lectin activities.

Four major proteins designated DB1, DB2, DB3, and DB4 were isolated and characterized from the yam tuber Dioscorea batatas. The ratios of their yields were 20:50:20:10. DB1 was a mannose-binding lectin (20 kDa) consisting of 10-kDa subunits and was classified as the monocot mannose-binding lectin family.