chitinase whitefly control

Exploring Chitinase for Whitefly Control

A recent biobased industry event in Austria showcased the potential of chitinase in controlling the devastating Bemisia tabaci whitefly.

Article by Tiziana Centofanti from the VIRTIGATION project

Chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin

The recent event “Forschung, Technologie, Innovation: Highlights der Biobasierten Industrie” organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, underscored the importance of biobased innovations in addressing agricultural challenges. In this regard, researchers highlighted the potential of Chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, to control whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci complex. Chitin, a major component of insect exoskeletons, is disrupted by chitinase, leading to increased mortality rates among such whiteflies.

Plants expressing chitinase genes could be more resistant to whiteflies

Indeed, recent research indicates that plants expressing chitinase genes exhibit increased resistance to whiteflies, leading to lower incidence of pest attack. This highlights the potential of chitinase as a valuable tool in managing whitefly populations in agricultural settings. For example, a Pakistani research group has demonstrated that transgenic cotton plants expressing barley chitinase genes show increased resistance to whiteflies, with reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates. Additionally, Indian studies on biopesticides provide insights into the use of chitosan-based insecticidal formulation as alternative pest management strategies for controlling various pests.

chitinase whitefly control

Relevance for VIRTIGATION's research on whitefly control

The VIRTIGATION project focuses on developing innovative solutions to manage plant viruses like ToLCNDV transmitted by pests such as the Bemisia tabaci whitefly. Subsequently, the research on chitinase could play a crucial role in this context by reducing whitefly populations, thereby decreasing the spread of viruses like ToLCNDV they transmit. Exploring the integration of chitinase-based strategies into sustainable agricultural practices, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), in further research efforts could enhance the effectiveness of pest and virus management. In return, this would contribute to healthier tomato and cucurbit crops and improved agricultural sustainability.

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