Digestive enzyme activity in the guts of Epilachna chrysomelina (fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) during post-embryonic development

Abstract

The gut regions of Epilachna chrysomelina are endowed with multiple enzymes that aid digestion of host plant tissues. Digestive enzymes present in the gut regions of E. chrysomelina during various developmental stages were studied in the laboratory to determine the most destructive life stage of the beetle for proper management measures. Cellulase, α-glucosidase, amylase, lipase and proteinase activities were observed in the guts. The mid-gut recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) enzymes than other gut sections except amylase where higher activity was observed in the foregut. Lipase (38.24abs per min), α-glucosidase (25.65 abs per min) and proteinase (28.70abs per min) activities were significantly higher in the immature stages while cellulase (19.46abs per min) and amylase activities (16.62abs per min) were higher in the adult stage. The 4th instar larval and the adult stages recorded higher enzyme activities and thus can be regarded as the most destructive stages of development.