Soluble Esterases in the Tissues of Prodenia litura Fabricius | PDF
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Complete Citation Block
Dinesh Chandra. “Soluble Esterases in the Tissues of Prodenia litura Fabricius.” Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (Entomology). Under the supervision of Dr. K.N. Mehrotra and Dr. B.S. Lall. University of Bihar, Muzaffarpur. 1977.
Author Bio
Dinesh Chandra is an expert in the field of Entomology, with a strong focus on the biochemical mechanisms of insect physiology. His doctoral research, conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, delves into the role of soluble esterases in insect tissues, particularly in the context of pesticide resistance. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of how insects metabolize toxins and offers insights critical for the development of effective pest control strategies.
Thesis Abstract
This thesis, completed in 1977, investigates the presence and characteristics of soluble esterases within the tissues of Prodenia litura Fabricius, a key agricultural pest. The research, submitted to the University of Bihar, Muzaffarpur, for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (Entomology), explores the physiological and toxicological significance of these enzymes.
The findings highlight the critical role that esterases play in the metabolism of organophosphate (OP) pesticides and in the broader phenomenon of insecticide resistance. Through an analysis of esterase variability in different larval instars and various body tissues, the study aims to elucidate factors associated with the evolution of resistant insect strains.
The Research Problem
The widespread use of agricultural chemicals, particularly pesticides, has led to an alarming problem: the evolution of resistant insect strains. This poses a significant challenge for economic entomologists and the formulation of effective control schedules. The central research problem addressed here is the need to understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying this resistance.
While it is known that esterases are implicated in the metabolism of xenobiotics, there is a need for a detailed investigation into their role in a specific pest species like Prodenia litura. The study seeks to fill this knowledge gap by providing an in-depth analysis of soluble esterases in the tissues of this agriculturally important pest.
Methodology
The research methodology involved the study of soluble esterases in the tissues of Prodenia litura. The investigation was carried out to establish the status of these enzymes and to shed light on some of the factors associated with the evolution of resistant insect strains. The study also utilized techniques such as disc electrophoresis to analyze haemolymph and homogenate esterases across different larval instars.
The research was conducted with the understanding that esterases are enzymes that hydrolyse organic ester bonds and that their study is crucial for both toxicological and physiological purposes.
Key Findings & Discussion
The experimental findings of the thesis reveal a high degree of esterase variability within the organism and even in specific tissues, a phenomenon previously reported in other studies. The study found differences in soluble esterases in various strains of insects showing different degrees of resistance to insecticides. The thesis highlights that a considerable amount of attention has been paid to the study of esterases in recent decades due to their importance in both toxicology and physiology.
In toxicology, esterase studies help determine the minimum effective concentration of pesticides, while in physiology, they provide clues to the role of evolution in resistant strains. The results contribute to the understanding that insecticide use acts as a powerful selective force for concentrating resistant mutants that are present in low frequencies in the original population.
Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its contribution to understanding the mechanisms of insect resistance, a critical problem facing economic entomologists.
By detailing the role of soluble esterases in Prodenia litura, a major agricultural pest, the thesis provides valuable insights into how insects detoxify pesticides. The research confirms that the biochemical mechanism of resistance is linked to metabolic detoxification and offers a foundation for developing more effective and sustainable pest control strategies.
The work is a foundational piece in the field of insect biochemistry, establishing a link between esterase activity and the evolution of insecticide resistance.
Soluble Esterases In The Tissues Of Prodenia Fabricius pdf
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