Measurement of protease activity and translocation of its hydrolytic products in germinating seeds of black gram as affected with treatments of rogor, an organophosphate insecticide

Optimum conditions of extraction and measurement of activity of the enzyme protease in germinating seeds of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) by colorimetric measurement of its hydrolytic products (α-amino acids) using the ninhydrin reagent have been established. Also, the effects of rogor (dimethoate), an organophosphate insecticide, on protease activity have been investigated. The insecticide was found to have a dose-dependent effect on enzyme activity. It also inhibited translocation of metabolities (amino acids) from cotylendons to the growing axes, and thus inhibited growth of the young seedling. Lower doses of the insecticide, which did not alter protease activity and translocation of metabolites, may be used to kill insect pests of blackgram.