Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne have solved the structure of a novel insecticidal protein, originally discovered by Corteva Agriscience, that is effective in protecting major crop plants like corn and soybean from pests and is naturally produced by ferns.
Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne have solved the structure of a novel insecticidal protein, originally discovered by Corteva Agriscience, that is effective in protecting major crop plants like corn and soybean from pests and is naturally produced by ferns.
Professor Marilyn Anderson at La Trobe University said the discovery could lead to plant-made protein pest control for crop plants that are essential to global food production.
"The structural analysis demonstrates that even though this protein is produced by plants, it has several features in common with known three-domain Cry proteins used extensively in agriculture for insect control," Professor Anderson said.
"These proteins protect crops from damage by serious lepidopteran (caterpillar) pests."
Read more at La Trobe University
Photo Credit: pisauikan via Pixabay
