c23o gene, encoding catechol 2,3-dioxygenase from Planococcus sp. strain S5 was randomly mutagenized to generate variant forms of the enzyme with higher degradation activity. Additionally, the effect of introduced mutations on the enzyme structure was analyzed based on the putative 3D models the wild-type and mutant enzymes. C23OB58 and C23OB81 mutant proteins with amino acid substitutions in c...

Catechol 2,3-dioxygenases (C23Os, E.C.1.13.12.2) are two domain enzymes that catalyze degradation of monoaromatic hydrocarbons. The catalytically active C-domain of all known C23Os comprises ferrous ion ligands as well as residues forming active site pocket. The aim of this work was to examine and discuss the effect of nonsense mutation at position 289 on the activity of catechol 2,3-dioxygenas...

The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a pest in grape vine growing areas worldwide. The essential oils from the following aromatic plants were tested for their insecticidal activity against P. ficus: peppermint, Mentha piperita L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), thyme-leaved savory, Satureja thymbra L., lavender, Lavandula angustifolia Mill, and basil, Ocimum ba...

This study aimed at characterization of a new catechol 2,3-dioxygenase isolated from a Gram-positive bacterium able to utilize phenol as the sole carbon and energy source. Planococcus sp. strain S5 grown on 1 or 2 mM phenol showed activity of both a catechol 1,2- and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase while at a higher concentrations of phenol only catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity was observed. The enzy...

This study aimed to determine the consumption of Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) nymphs and predator:prey ratio required for high predatory efficacy survival Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae under different densities prey, reared in rose bushes. Consumption by first-, second-, third-instar C. was assessed. The efficiency predator wer...