Pushpalata Hansdak* & M. Prasad
Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Received 8th May, 2010; Revised 17th August, 2010
Abstract : The quantitative consumption of proteins by the growing larval instars of Callosobrucus chinensis Linn. propagating on the common gram (Cicer arietinum) is the function of its growth related basal metabolic rate submitting the demand of the biomolecules as well as the availability of the same in the host food resource (Pasternack -1987). Surprisingly achieving the balance between the two is a tedious task for the stored grain pests unless otherwise supported by the easy access to the nutritive proteins and other biomolecular pool present in the host source .
It has been histochemically observed in the present investigation that the IIIrd and IVth larval instars have overcome this hurdle by elevated displacement of vital protein molecules from the host and their consequent deposition in the mid-gut wall and adjoining gut cellular architecture. This enhanced accumulation of proteins has been specifically identified by Chapman’s HgBB Technique which gave brilliant deep blue colouration to the entire cellular matrix of the mid-gut projected towards the lumen.
On comparison with the scenario of the Ist & IInd larval instars, the histochemical findings in IIIrd & IVth with respect to protein deposition were clearly found enhanced in the proportion of 70%-100% (Beckman 1999) which contributed to the thickening and hardening of the gut cell-wall.
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