Two proteinase inhibitors (PIs), CapA1 and CapA2, were purified from Capsicum annum Linn. Var. Phule Jyoti leaves and assessed for their in vitro and in vivo activity against Helicoverpa armigera gut proteinases (HGPs). Both the inhibitors exhibited molecular weights of about 12 kDa with inhibitory activity against bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin indicating presence of probable two-inhibitor repeats of PIN II family. CapA1 and CapA2 inhibited 60-80% HGP (azocaseinolytic) activity of fourth instar larvae feeding on various host plants while 45-65% inhibition of HGP activity of various instars (II to VI) larvae reared on artificial diet. The partial purification of HGP isoforms, their characterization with synthetic inhibitors and inhibition by C. annum PIs revealed that most of the trypsin-like activity (68-91%) of HGPs was sensitive to C. annum PIs while 39-85% chymotrypsin-like activity of HGPs was insensitive to these inhibitors. The feeding of C. annum leaf extracts and two purified PIs in various doses to H. armigera larvae for two successive generations through artificial diet demonstrated their potential in inhibiting larval growth and development, delay in pupation period and dramatic reduction in fecundity and fertility. This is the first report-demonstrating efficacy of C. annum PIs against insect gut proteinases as well as larval growth and development of H. armigera. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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