1Insect Biotech Laboratory Department of Agricultural Entomology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104, Maharashtra, India
2Present Address: Department of Entomology, K. K. Wagh College of Agriculture, Nashik, Maharashtra, India(), (e-mail: tushargrapes@gmail.com).
Online published on 19 March, 2018.
A laboratory investigation was conducted to find out the role of detoxifying enzymes in defense mechanism of cotton cultivars against mealy bugs in Insect Biotechnology Laboratory of Department of Agricultural Entomology, Dr. P. D. K. V., Akola during 2008–09.
Quantitative and qualitative studies were undertaken for estimation of detoxifying enzymes like glutathione-S-transferases (GST) and esterases. GST activity was found higher in resistant variety PKV Hy-2 followed by AKH-3614-10 (Hirsutum pigmented). The highest esterase activity was found to be present in Bunny-Bt (187.14 nM/mg protein/min) than other cotton cultivars. PKV Hy-2 showed very lowest esterase activity (76.97 nM/mg protein/min). Glutathione-S-transferase and esterase bands were not detected in the susceptible CAHH-231 (Pigmented hybrid) variety. Three GST isozymes were observed in AKA-8, whereas CAHH-231 (Pigmented hybrid) did not show any isozyme. The study will be helpful in understanding the biochemical basis of mealy bug resistance in cotton. The outcome of the present investigation will act as stepping stone to develop mealy bug resistant cotton variety.
Cotton, Detoxifying enzymes, Esterases, GST, Host plant resistance, Phenococcus solenopsis
