Differential enzyme activity in normal and sterile boll weevils

1. 1. Whole-body homogenate and hemolymph enzyme profiles of normal and γ-irradiated boll weevils were compared. 2. 2. The specific activity of homogenate lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in treated males was significantly lower than that in normal males ( 73 ± 3 vs 104 ± 3 mU/mg protein ). 3. 3. The specific activity of homogenate acid phosphatase (AP) in treated females was significantly lower than that observed in normal females ( 89 ± 5 vs 109 ± 5 mU/mg protein ). 4. 4. Hemolymph LDH and AP showed a comparable activity pattern to homogenate LDH and AP activities. 5. 5. The homogenate LDH activity in normal males correlated well with egg production and egg hatching by females after mating with normal males. 6. 6. Low LDH activity corresponded with very low egg production and no egg hatching in irradiated males. 7. 7. LDH and AP may be monitored to assess the sterility of the boll weevil after γ-irradiation.