Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (ns-LTPs) from maize induce resistance in pearl millet against downy mildew disease

Abstract

Non-specific Lipid Transfer Proteins were isolated and purified from maize seeds using combinations of ammonium sulphate precipitation and cat-ion exchange chromatography followed by HPLC. Two peptide segments were obtained by MALDI-TOF MS analysis, which were designated as ns-LTP M1 and ns-LTP M2. Both the ns-LTPs were treated to pearl millet seeds at different concentrations for 6 h. Among the concentrations tested, ns-LTP M1 (50 μg/ ml) showed a maximum seed germination of 94% and 1320 seedling vigor followed by ns-LTP M2. The maximum downy mildew disease protection of 62% was offered by ns-LTP M1 (50 μg/ ml) followed by ns-LTP M2 which offered 58% protection. Furthermore, peroxidase (POX) and lipoxigenase (LOX) enzymes related to plant resistance metabolism were also increased considerably after ns-LTP M1 treatment. POX activity was up to two folds when compared to susceptible control seedlings. Thus the present investigation suggests that the maize LTPs could enhance downy mildew disease resistance in pearl millet through the induction of defense mediated enzymes.

Towards Marker-Assisted Breeding for Black Rot Bunch Resistance: Identification of a Major QTL in the Grapevine Cultivar ‘Merzling’

“…The lipid transport and localization category also encompassed two non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 (nsLTPs), considered for all intents the most abundant AMP protein family [ 84 ]. Two nsLTPs from maize have also been biotechnologically engineered to obtain peptides able to protect pearl millet from downy mildew [ 85 ]. Finally, the ‘Transition metal ion binding’ enriched gene set includes, besides Glp3 genes, also a mannose-6-phosphate isomerase.…”