CATALASE ACTIVITY IN HAEMOLYMPH OF SILKWORM (Bombyx mori L.) FOLLOWING FUNGAL INFECTION

The influence of Aspergillus fumigatus infection on silkworm Bombyx mori L. hemolymph of 3rd day of 5th instar larvae was investigated for total protein concentration and catalase activity at the intervals of 24, 48 and 72 hrs in comparison with control (healthy). The silkworm larvae are infected by feeding fungal spores infected mulberry leaves where the control larvae are fed with helth leaves. The total protein concentration in hemolymph was determined. Protein content in haemolymph was found to be markedly reduced (15.5 mg/ml- 5 mg/ml) following appearance of disease symptoms in comparison to healthy larvae (18.5 mg/ml-11.5 mg/ml). The enzymatic activity of catalase was measured by using spectrophotometer. The catalase activity was decreased significantly from 24th hr to 72 hrs of post inoculation compared to control. The present study was undertaken as a result of fungal infection in silkworm and to speculate on their possible biochemical significance.