European Journal of Entomology (2009) 106, 451-454

D. Kojic, Ivan Spasojevic, M. Mojovic, D. Blagojevic, M.R. Worland, G. Grubor-Lajsic and M.B. Spasic (2009)
Potential role of hydrogen peroxide and melanin in the cold hardiness of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
European Journal of Entomology 106 (3), 451-454
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant enzymes and reactive oxygen species production in diapausing larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) kept at 5°C, -3°C and -16°C for two weeks. The amount of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), activity of antioxidant enzymes, copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutases (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT) in whole body homogenates, as well as the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of this insect's whole body were analysed. A higher level of melanin radical and lower CuZnSOD and CAT activities were found in larvae kept at -3°C than at 5°C and -16°C. At the same temperature (-3°C) an elevated H₂O₂ concentration was recorded. A possible regulatory role of H₂O₂ at -3°C, which is the temperature that triggers freezing tolerance, is suggested.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ostrinia nubilalis