A novel lectin gene was cloned from an ear rot resistant inbred of maize and expressed in maize callus and Pichia pastoris. Callus expressing the lectin gene significantly reduced growth of maize fungal (Fusarium spp.) and insect (fall armyworms and corn earworms) pests compared to control callus. Higher activity against pests was correlated with higher levels of the lectin in callus.The yeast-produced lectin caused clumping of germinating spores of Fusarium graminearum, which was inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine but no other sugars tested. Examination of available sequences from several inbreeds indicated sequence disruptions that would likely result in a nonfunctional protein, making this gene a good candidate for gene editing in those cases.

Maize lectin can function as a defensive protein against insect and fungal pests

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ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.