Abstract
Legumes are affected by biotic factors such as insects, molds, bacteria, and viruses. These plants can produce many different molecules in response to the attack of phytopathogens. Protease inhibitors (PIs) are proteins produced by legumes that inhibit the protease activity of phytopathogens. PIs are known to reduce nutrient availability, which diminishes pathogen growth and can lead to the death of the pathogen. PIs are classified according to the specificity of the mechanistic activity of the proteolytic enzymes, with serine and cysteine protease inhibitors being studied the most. Previous investigations have reported the efficacy of these highly stable proteins against diverse biotic factors and the concomitant protective effects in crops, representing a possible replacement of toxic agrochemicals that harm the environment.
Highlights
Legumes (Fabaceae) are the second most important crops in the world, after the grass or Gramineae family (Poaceae) [1]
Some pathogens are capable of producing effector molecules that interfere with PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI), resulting in eInffte
Cysteine Protease inhibitors (PIs) are classified into a large group of proteins, within which are phytocystatins groups, more than 80 members of which are being studied for their use in transgenic crops
Summary
Legumes (Fabaceae) are the second most important crops in the world, after the grass or Gramineae family (Poaceae) [1]. The insects, Callosobruchus chinesis, and C. maculatus, are the most important pests of legumes because they damage the seeds, causing a loss of dry matter weight, nutritional quality, and germination or viability [11,12]. These biotic factors severely affect legume crops, which can lead to significant economic losses and reduced world food production. The natural defense mechanisms of these plants can be exploited to avoid or decrease the use of toxic agrochemicals For this reason, in the present review, we discuss the potential use of these proteins as biopesticides to control biotic stresses in crops of economic importance
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