Identification of immune-suppressors of Diamond-back Moth (DBM)
This project was conducted to investigate new insecticidal compounds. Researchers proposed that parasitic wasps that attach DBM, effecively contained a range of novel insecticidal compounds in their venom, and in viruses within their venom. The wasp Diadegma semiclausum was investigated as it causes immune-suppression and developmental problems in DBM larvae that it parasitises. The primary goal was to investigate the proteins that Diadegma uses to produce these effects, to identify new compounds for use in a commercial pest management context in vegetables.