Application of the Prunus spp. Cyanide Seed Defense System onto Wheat: Reduced Insect Feeding and Field Growth Tests

Abstract

Many crops are ill-protected against insect pests during storage. To protect cereal grains from herbivores during storage, pesticides are often applied. While pesticides have an undoubtable functionality, increasing concerns are arising about their application. In the present study, we investigated a bioinspired cyanogenic grain coating with amygdalin as cyanogenic precursor mimicking the feeding-triggered release of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) found for example in bitter almonds. The multilayer coating consisted of biodegradable polylactic acid with individual layers containing amygdalin or β-glucosidase which is capable of degrading amygdalin to HCN. This reaction occurred only when the layers were ruptured, e.g., by a herbivore attack. Upon feeding coated cyanogenic wheat grains to Tenebrio molitor (mealworm beetle), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), and Plodia interpunctella (Indianmeal moth), their reproduction as well as consumption rate were significantly reduced, whereas germination ability increased compared to noncoated grains. In field experiments, we observed an initial growth delay compared to uncoated grains which became negligible at later growth stages. The here shown strategy to artificially apply a naturally occurring defense mechanisms could be expanded to other crops than wheat and has the potential to replace certain pesticides with the benefit of complete biodegradability and increased safety during storage.

Soluble Sugar Accumulation Can Influence Seed Size via AN3–YDA Gene Cascade

“…Seed size constitutes an important agricultural trait. In agricultural crops, large seed size not only indicates yield enhancement but also suggests the enhancement of other merits, for example, seed biotinylated protein, 36 seed protein and oil, 5 seed defense, 37 blueberry seed oils, 38 and sugar beet seed. 39 ■ ASSOCIATED CONTENT * S Supporting Information…”

Synthetic and Natural Insecticides: Gas, Liquid, Gel and Solid Formulations for Stored-Product and Food-Industry Pest Control

“…Moreover, in some experiments, researchers have attempted to produce seeds containing cyanogenic multilayers for use as protective coatings (biodegradable polylactic acid, amygdalin, or β-glucosidase). Gaseous HCN is released only when protective layers are ruptured by a herbivore attack [ 68 ]. Rajendran and Sriranjini [ 66 ] and Campolo et al [ 69 ] showed that the array of natural botanical substances (e.g., essential oils) exhibiting insect toxicity in the vapor phase is much wider than that of synthetic substances, but the extent of their current practical use is profoundly narrower.…”

Will Yellow Mealworm Become a Source of Safe Proteins for Europe?

“…The extract of Solanum nigrum fruits exerted only sublethal effects on mealworms by disrupting their development and metabolism. When combined with other pest management strategies, these extracts could offer a cheap, effective and environmentally-friendly solution to crop protection [180,181].…”