Vicilin storage proteins from Vigna unguiculata (legume) seeds inhibit fungal growth

Vicilin storage proteins (7S globulins) isolated from Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) seeds were shown to interfere with the germination of spores or conidia of the fungi Fusarium solani, Fusarium axysporum, Colletotrichum musae, Phytophtora capsici, Neurospora crassa, and Ustilago maydis sporidia. Cowpea vicilins have been shown to bind to fungal structures, possibly chitin-containing structures of the cell wall, and can be desorbed by strong acid. The results presented in this paper are in agreement with data previously obtained on the chitin-binding properties of cowpea vicilins and the effect they exert on the development and survival of the storage pest insect Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).