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Arthropods, 2013, 2(3): 126-136
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Biochemical properties of digestive carbohydrases from the sugar beet weevil, Lixus incanescens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Seyed Mohammad Ahsaei, Vahid Hosseininaveh, Mahdieh Bigham
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran

Received 22 April 2013;Accepted 25 May 2013;Published online 1 September 2013
IAEES

Abstract
The sugar beet weevil, Lixus incanescens B., is one of the most important pests of sugar beet plant in Iran. The petioles and leaves of sugar beet are attacked by larvae and adults of the sugar beet weevil. Chemical application is currently used for controlling the pest. Digestion in the alimentary canal of the sugar beet weevil is facilitated by some carbohydrases. Results of the in vitro studies indicated the presence of ¦Á-amylase, ¦Â-glucosidase and ¦Â-galactosidase in the digestive tract of the pest. Highest activities of ¦Á-amylase, ¦Â-glucosidase and ¦Â-galactosidase were at pH 5, pH 5 and pH 4, respectively. No significant ¦Á-glucosidase and ¦Á-galactosidase activity was detected in the pest's digestive system. Optimum temperatures for ¦Á-amylase, ¦Â-glucosidase and ¦Â-galactosidase activity were determined at 45, 50 and 40 oC, respectively. ¦Á-amylase was more stable under acidic condition (pH 4 to pH 6) than under highly acidic and alkaline condition. Na+ and K+ increased ¦Á-amylase activity, but sodium dodecyl sulfate significantly decreased amylase activity. Also, the activity of ¦Á-amylase was inhibited by the other compounds such as MgCl2, CaCl2 and EDTA. Zymogram analysis using native-PAGE revealed one band of ¦Á-amylase activity in Lixus incanescens. High activity of carbohydrases in the digestive system of adults was determined and further researches are needed to be applied to design new strategies for controlling the sugar beet weevil based on natural carbohydrase inhibitors.

Keywords ¦Á-amylases;sugar beet weevil;carbohydrases;Lixus incanescens.


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