Inhibition of Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) gut proteases with Ipomoea batatas inhibitors

Chilo partellus is a devastating sorghum and maize pest that exists worldwide. C. partellus gut proteases (CPGPs) were isolated, purified and characterized. We analyzed potential trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors (TIs) from tuber plants to identify the protease inhibitors (PIs) of CPGPs. PIs from Ipomoea batatas completely inhibited protease activity and growth and led to reduced C. partellus insect larvae weights. One PI was purified from I. batatas tubers and identified as a potent antagonist of CPGPs. In conclusion, we identified Ipomoea batatas inhibitors with significant potential applications in developing resistant transgenic sorghum and maize crops.