Polycalin is involved in the action mechanism of Cry2Aa toxin in Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner)

Receptor proteins on the brush border membrane of the insect midgut epithelium are involved in the mode of action of insecticidal Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt). Polycalin has been identified as a binding protein of the Bt Cry1 Ac toxin in several Lepidoptera including Helicoverpa armigera, but its role in the action mechanism of Cry2 Aa is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the binding characteristics of polycalin from the midgut of H. armigera with Cry2 Aa and its role in the toxicity of Cry2 Aa. The results demonstrated that heterologously expressed H. armigera polycalin peptide could bind with Cry2 Aa with high affinity(K_d=32 nmol L^(–1)). The toxicity of Cry2 Aa decreased by 27% after H. armigera larvae ingested polycalin antisera. These results suggested that polycalin could be a potential functional receptor for Cry2 Aa, and it plays an important role in the susceptibility of H. armigera to Cry2 Aa.

Study on the Establishment of Demonstration Site for Peatland Conservation through Integrated Management and Sustainable Utilization of Non-timber Forest Products(NTFPs)

A participatory action research was conducted in 2022,with the“Establishment of Demonstration Site for Peatland Conservation through Integrated Management and Sustainable Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products(NTFPs)”to give recommendation on the development of guidelines on Sustainable Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products(NTFPs)and peatland conservation.According to the peat soil assessment,it was found that peat soil content was very low and top soil was thin under the mangrove forest,and Payena paralleloneura-Kan Zaw bearing forest in March 2022.Organic material might be pressed by trespasser to collect Kan Zaw seed,to conduct horticulture and mining near the Kan Zaw bearing forest,or organic material might be damaged by burning with controlled fire in the previous years,under Kan Zaw trees to collect seeds.Organic material might have been carried to the downwards with running water due to the heavy rainfall,with 4,700 mm/year.Mangrove forest and Kan Zaw bearing evergreen forest can be assumed as“the major source of coastal peatland formation,with peat deposits eroded seawards”.It is assumed that the organic material will accumulate on top of the sands and it will lead to the formation of the peatland at coastal zone.It can be assumed that the accumulation of organic material found in mangrove forest and evergreen forests will promote the soil carbon storage,if we can adopt the ASEAN Policy on Zero Burning,which reflect ASEAN's commitment to controlling fires and haze,offering techniques,benefits,requirements,and challenges for implementing zero burning practices[1].Sustainable utilization of NTFP including peat and Kan Zaw-Payena paralleloneura Kurz seed was studied at demonstration sites,and it is recommended to make a trial on silvicultural system at mangrove forest and apply suitable silvicultural system such as Clear-Felling(in blocks or in alternate strips)system,Selection System,and Shelter Wood System to ensure the sustainable utilization of NTFP from mangrove forest[2].Gap planting and assisted natural regeneration are also recommended for mangrove forest and Kan Zaw-bearing forest.