مشخصات پژوهش

In this study α-amylase activity of different developmental stages of cotton bollworm were studied. Insects reared on chickpea based artificial diet in controlled condition. Alpha-Amylase activity was determined using 4, 6-ethylidene (G7)-p-nitrophenyl-(G1)-α-D-maltoheptaoside as substrate. The most enzyme activity was observed in 6th larval stage. Male and female adults and pupas showed a minor α-amylase activity. Lumen content of 6th larval midgut showed significantly more enzyme activity in comparison with midgut tissues during circadian cycle. Starvation period non-significantly affected α-amylase activity in whole body and gut extract of 6th larval stage alimentary canel assays. Enzyme activity during embryogenesis and pupa developing period were studied and results revealed that with aging of eggs amylase activity increased but just before hatching, it started to decrease. In pupal growth period, amylase activity showed a decline manner to last period of developing days. Also the results showed that, the optimal pH for α-amylase activity in 6th larval stage of cotton bollworm was alkaline (pH 12).