Cost-effective and reliable genomic DNA extraction from plant seedlings for high-throughput genotyping in seed industries.

Genetic purity of seeds is one of the critical aspects in the seed industry. Molecular seed testing laboratories are utilizing PCR based diagnostic tools for genetic purity analysis. High quality DNA is an essential prerequisite for such analyses.

Cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (DcCathL) from Delia coarctata (wheat bulb fly): basis of insecticidal activity.

A cDNA encoding a cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (DcCathL) was prepared from gut tissue of larvae of wheat bulb fly (Delia coarctata: Diptera). The predicted protein is a homologue of the product of Drosophila melanogaster gene Cp-1 (CG6692), and is similar to a sub-family of cysteine proteinases found in other insects which have roles in tissue remodelling during development, and moulting. Recombinant DcCathL was produced using the yeast Pichia pastoris as expression host, and showed hydrolytic activity in vitro towards the synthetic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC with a pH optimum of 4.

Winged bean chymotrypsin inhibitors retard growth of Helicoverpa armigera.

Two putative Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitor genes (WCI2 and WCI5) were isolated from winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC). While WCI2 has previously been characterized, WCI5 represents a new member of the WCI family.