Activity of midgut amylase in Aeolesthes holosericea Fabricius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract

Partial characterization of amylase from the larval and adult midgut of Aeolesthes holosericea was studied. High enzymatic activity was found at pH 5.2 and 35 °C in larva where as in adult it was at pH 5.4 and 40 °C. The linear period for enzymatic activity was 15 min in both larva and adult. The 50% inhibition at 55 °C was 1.5min and 4 min in larva and adult respectively. The Km values for larva and adult were 0.777% and 0.115% respectively. Findings of the present study would be utilized in to understand digestion process in insects and to formulate control strategies against wood boring insects.