Consequence of Chitinase from Trichoderma Viride Integrated feed on Digestive Enzymes in Corcyra Cephalonica (Stainton) and Antimicrobial Potential

Nithin Vijayakumar and Sangilimuthu Alagar

Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam University, KAHE, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641021.

Corresponding Author E-mail: sangilimuthu.a@kahedu.edu.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2473

ABSTRACT: In the present study, laboratory trail was carried out to determine the effect of partially purified chitinase from Trichoderma viride on certain digestive enzymes of Corcyra cephalonica and its antimicrobial susceptibility against certain microbes. The most dreadful stored food grain pest Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) was fed with chitinase from Trichoderma viride impregnated flour disk of different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm). After the treatment of five days, gut region was dissected and the inhibitory activity of chitinase against digestive enzymes (amylase, invertase and lactase) was checked. The incorporation of chitinase to the feed induced the reduced level of enzymes such as amylase, invertase and lactase with increasing concentration of chitinase. The decrease in the digestive enzymes such as amylase (75%), invertase and lactase substantiate that the chitinase can induce changes in the insect physiology to a great extent. Based on the results observed, the chitinase from Trichoderma viride can be promoted as a biocontrol agent against the stored food grain pests. Chitinase showed appreciable antibacterial activity against the gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans; gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.

KEYWORDS: Amylase; invertase; lactase; Corcyra cephalonica; integrated pest management; stored grain pest

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