The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is a major pest of Coffea arabica. Aspartic proteases from the insect were identified and classified as cathepsin D based on their inhibition by pepstatin A. Seed extracts from various plants, including Lupinus bogotensis, were evaluated for aspartic protease inhibition. The L. bogotensis extract showed the highest inhibitory activity, significantly reducing proteolytic activity of H. hampei. Zymograms revealed potential protease inhibitors, suggesting the expression of these genes in coffee could help develop resistant varieties.
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