n this study the effect of four types of plants diets (grass, sorghum, sesban and clover)
on the changes in haemolymph protein and haemolymph protein profile of the adult desert
locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) and the susceptibility of locusts to Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) have been investigated. The highest protein content was found in the
haemolymph of locusts fed on clover and the lowest was found in insects fed on grass. In Bt
injected locusts, there were significant decreased in the total haemolymph proteins at all the
experimental diets compared with control insects except those fed on sorghum which showed
insignificant differences with controls. The susceptibility of the locusts to Bt was the lowest,
when fed on clover, while it was the highest in locusts fed on grass and an intermediate
response was shown in locusts fed on sorghum or sesban. Analysis of proteins by SDS
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed disappearance of some protein bands and
appearance of other new bands in the injected adults compared with controls. Some of these
new proteins may affect adult immunity. |
