Studies on the Effect of Organophosphate, Dichlorvos on the Esterases of seeds of an Underutilized Legume, Mucuna pruriens

The esterases were isolated from the seeds of eight varieties/accessions of an underutilized legume, Mucuna and studied. The seeds of all the varieties of Mucuna exhibited esterase. Among the different varieties analyzed for esterase activity, Mucuna pruriens exhibited highest ester hydrolyzing activity (4.7μmoles/min) and specific activity (0.018) while Mucuna cochinensis showed the lowest esterase activity (0.309μmoles/min) and specific activity (0.0017). Germination of Mucuna pruriens has been carried out and the change in esterases was monitored. Effect of organophosphate such as dichlorvos on the activities of esterases was analyzed. The esterases are completely inhibited by dichlorvos. The Mucuna seed esterases are found to be carboxylesterases.