Bioactive peptides having detrimental effects on pest slugs
Inventors
CHOI, MAN Y. • Martin, Ruth C. • Ahn, Seungjoon • McDonnell, Rory • RAO, SUJAYA
Assignees
Oregon State University • US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-11723370-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-15
Expiration Date
2040-08-25
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Abstract
Provided herein are synthetic peptides developed from slug and insect neuropeptides. Peptides described can be used to repel, control or deter slugs, including the gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum), from feeding on agricultural and horticultural plants. The peptides can be combined with bait materials, or applied directly to plants or areas, or produced by genetically modified plants.
Core Innovation
The invention provides synthetic peptides developed from slug and insect neuropeptides that can repel, control, or deter slugs, specifically the gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum), from feeding on agricultural and horticultural plants. These peptides can be combined with bait materials, applied directly to plants or areas, or produced by genetically modified plants.
The problem being solved is the increasing damage caused by the gray garden slug, a destructive pest affecting a wide variety of crops and resulting in significant economic losses globally. Conventional control methods rely on chemical pesticides that are non-specific, costly, inefficient under certain environmental conditions, harmful to beneficial organisms, and risk the development of chemical resistance in slugs.
This invention offers a novel approach using specific synthetic peptides targeting slug G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), interfering with their normal function and causing detrimental effects such as mortality, paralysis, weight loss, and feeding deterrence, thereby providing a commercially viable and specific biocontrol method for slugs.
Claims Coverage
This patent includes four independent claims covering compositions and methods for controlling slugs using specific synthetic peptides.
Composition comprising specific synthetic peptides and slug food material
A composition containing an isolated synthetic peptide selected from SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or combinations thereof in an aqueous solution at a concentration of at least 10 nmol, further comprising a slug food material and optionally a phagostimulant.
Molluscicide composition for controlling slugs
A molluscicide composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated synthetic peptide having SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or combinations thereof in aqueous solution at least 10 nmol, further comprising a slug food material, optionally a phagostimulant, and optionally an agriculturally acceptable carrier and additional agents such as preservatives, dispersants, fungicides, herbicides, attractants, bait materials, or combinations thereof.
Method for controlling slugs by contacting peptide composition
A method of controlling a slug by contacting the slug or its environment with a biologically effective amount of the synthetic peptide composition or molluscicide, whereby the mortality of the slug increases.
Specific targeting of Deroceras reticulatum
The method for controlling slugs specifically includes targeting the gray garden slug, Deroceras reticulatum.
The claims cover compositions of isolated synthetic peptides in specified sequences combined with slug food and optionally phagostimulants and carriers, molluscicide formulations for slug control, and methods of applying these compositions to increase slug mortality, including targeted control of Deroceras reticulatum.
Stated Advantages
The synthetic peptides provide a commercially viable and specific control method for slugs.
The peptides avoid the non-specific toxicity and environmental issues associated with conventional chemical pesticides.
They effectively induce slug mortality, paralysis, weight loss, and anti-feeding effects.
Documented Applications
Use of synthetic peptides to repel, control, or deter slugs from feeding on agricultural and horticultural plants.
Combining peptides with bait materials to enhance slug control.
Direct application of peptides to plants or areas infested by slugs.
Production of transgenic plants expressing the synthetic peptides to confer resistance against slug feeding.
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