Effect of plant Lectins on growth and development of American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2003 -2003 to study the effectiveness of certains lectins, viz Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] agglutinin. jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) lectin, wheat(Triticum aestivum L..emend.Fiori & Paol.) germ agglutinin and pea (Pisum sativum L.) lectin against neonates of American bollworm [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) under controlled conditions (temperature 27= 1 degree Celcius. relative humidity, 65±5% and photoperiod 16:8 hr scoto: photo regime) following artificial diet surface incorporation technique. Of the lectins tested, pea lectin was most effective to target pest. as the LC value was lowest (0.0008%) followed by wheat germ agglutinin (0.0022%). Other lectins. viz jacalin lectin and soybean agglutinin. showed toxicity with LC of 0.0079 and 0.0136% respectively. As a result of feeding with lectin intoxicated diet, survival of test insect was also reduced, showing 85.7. 89.3. 85.7 and 92.8% reduction in soybean agglutinin,jackfruit lectin, wheat germ agglutinin and pea lectin, respectively, from the control indicating adverse effect of lectin-intoxicated diet on the H.armigera. In most of the lectins tested, significant effect on feeundity was observed, consequently there was no subsequent generation of the test insect.