Defensin- specific antibodies

Abstract

The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules derived from Nicotiana alata , which encode defensin-like molecules. The present invention contemplates the use of such nucleic acid molecules in the generation of transgenic plants having resistance or at least reduced sensitivity to plant pests including insects, microorganisms, fungi and/or viruses. The transgenic plants provided by the present invention include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, and particularly include crop plants and ornamental flowering plants.

1 . An isolated antibody which specifically binds a peptide comprising the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, wherein said peptide has activity against a plant pest. 
     
     
         2 . An isolated antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
         3 . An isolated antibody of  claim 2  wherein the antibody is an IgG fraction antibody. 
     
     
         4 . An isolated antibody of  claim 1  reactive to a defensin molecule having a C-terminus amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12. 
     
     
         5 . An isolated antibody of  claim 1  reactive to a defensin molecule having an N-terminus sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:10. 
     
     
         6 . An isolated antibody of  claim 1  reactive to a defensin molecule having an N-terminus amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:18. 
     
     
         7 . An isolated antibody of  claim 1  labeled with a reporter molecule.