Inhibitory Potential of Sorghum Α Amylase Inhibitor on the Digestive Enzyme of Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium Castaneum

The inhibitory potential of purified α amylase inhibitors of sorghum on the digestive enzyme of Tribolium Castaneum, a devastating insect pest of economic importance have been studied. Qualitative and quantitative differences in α amylase of Tribolium Castaneum upon feeding on natural and artificial diets were evident. Natural diets were legumes like Black gram, Pigeon Pea, Red lentil, Cowpea and Field bean. One hundred larvae were transferred to each of the above mentioned diets and also chickpea flour based artificial diet. Amylase activity and isoform patterns varied depending on host plant and/or artificial diet. Artificial dietfed Tribolium Castaneum larvae had comparatively high amylase activity and several unique amylase isoforms might be due to its nutritionally balanced composition. On the other hand, total carbohydrates were the highest in chick pea and the lowest in red lentils while that of protein was the highest in black gram and the lowest in field bean. Correlation of amylase activities of Tribolium Castaneum with carbohydrate content of various diets suggested that Tribolium Castaneum regulates the levels of these digestive enzymes in response to composition of the diet. These adjustments in the digestive enzymes of Tribolium Castaneum may be to obtain better nourishment from the diet and avoid toxicity due to nutritional imbalance. An investigation of the differences in enzyme levels in response to macronutrient balance and imbalance highlight their importance in