Small peptides inhibit gut trypsin-like proteases and impair Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) survival and development.

Background: Anticarsia gemmatalis larvae are key defoliating pests of soybean plants. Inorganic insecticides, harmful to the environment and human health, are the main molecules used in the control of this pest. To apply more sustainable management methods, organic molecules with high specificities, such as proteinaceous protease inhibitors, have been sought.