Phytocystatins potential source of resistance to pests and fungal pathogens in plants

Petya K. Christova

Abstract: Plant cystatins (phytocystatins) superfamily is consist of over 200 members that are identified in many mono- and dicot species. A lot of them are isolated, purified and characterized at the molecular level. They play an important role in a number of physiological processes in plants, such as the proteins turnover during maturation and germination of seeds, organogenesis, programmed cell death. Phytocystatins also participate in the response of plants to abiotic and biotic stress factors. Experimental data prove the inhibitory activities of phytocystatins against insects, nemadotes, aphids, spider mites and fungal pathogens. This determines their potential as a source of resistance to pests and fungal diseases in economically important plant species.

Keywords: antifungal properties; aphids; inhibitory activities; insects; nemadotes; plant cystatins; spider mites

Date published: 2019-04-11