Abstract Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most common and destructive storage pests in the world and its control depends mostly on the utilization of synthetic pesticides. The hazards of synthetic chemicals to people and the environment, together with the development of resistance by the insects, stimulate the investigation of alternative methods. In the present study, we determined the effects of the ingestion of artificial diet containing the Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome lectin (MvRL) on survival, feeding and nutrition of S. zeamais adults. MvRL was incorporated into the artificial diets at concentrations ranging from 10 to 130 mg/g. Mortality rate, ingested food and variation in the weight of the insects were determined after 7 days. In addition, the in vitro effects of MvRL on the activity of insect digestive enzymes were investigated. MvRL did not increase the mortality rates but disrupted the nutritional status of the insects since the biomass variation and efficiency in conversion of ingested food were negative. The lectin was able to inhibit in vitro β-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. In conclusion, MvRL showed anti-nutritional properties on S. zeamais adults, which may be due interference with digestive enzymes. MvRL may be useful as an additive or synergistic agent for reduced pest fitness by affecting the food conversion into biomass.

中文翻译：

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牛痘根状茎（MvRL）中几丁质结合凝集素对玉米小麦的抗营养作用

摘要 Sitophilus zeamais Motsch。（鞘翅目：仙茅科）是世界上最常见、最具破坏性的储藏害虫之一，其防治主要依靠合成农药的使用。合成化学品对人类和环境的危害，以及昆虫产生的抗药性，刺激了对替代方法的研究。在本研究中，我们确定了摄入含有牛痘根茎凝集素 (MvRL) 的人工饲料对 S. zeamais 成虫的存活、喂养和营养的影响。MvRL 以 10 至 130 毫克/克的浓度加入人工饮食。7 天后测定死亡率、摄入的食物和昆虫体重的变化。此外，研究了 MvRL 对昆虫消化酶活性的体外影响。MvRL 不会增加死亡率，但会破坏昆虫的营养状况，因为摄入食物的生物量变化和转化效率为负值。凝集素能够抑制体外β-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶的活性。总而言之，MvRL 对 S. zeamais 成虫显示出抗营养特性，这可能是由于对消化酶的干扰。MvRL 可用作添加剂或增效剂，通过影响食物转化为生物质来降低害虫适应性。凝集素能够抑制体外β-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶的活性。总而言之，MvRL 对 S. zeamais 成虫显示出抗营养特性，这可能是由于对消化酶的干扰。MvRL 可用作添加剂或增效剂，通过影响食物转化为生物质来降低害虫适应性。凝集素能够抑制体外β-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶的活性。总而言之，MvRL 对 S. zeamais 成虫显示出抗营养特性，这可能是由于对消化酶的干扰。MvRL 可用作添加剂或增效剂，通过影响食物转化为生物质来降低害虫适应性。