Effects of temperature stress on the nutrient content and total antioxidant capacity of the gypsy moth

Author of the article:SHI Zhong-Bin** ZENG Jian-Yong** GUO Jia-Xing ZHANG Guo-Cai*** ZHANG Jie*** SHI Jiang-Hong

Author's Workplace：(Northeast Forestry University, School of forestry, Harbin 150040, China)

Key Words：temperature stress; gypsy moth; nutrients; total antioxidant activity; lipid content

Abstract：[Objectives]  To investigate the effects of temperature stress on the nutrient composition and total antioxidant capacity of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae. [Methods]  The soluble protein, carbohydrate and trehalose content of gypsy moth larvae kept at different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 ℃) for 3 h were measured. Lipid content and total antioxidant capacity were compared with those of gypsy moth larvae kept at a temperature of 25 ℃. [Results]  Temperature had no significant effect on the soluble protein content of gypsy moth larvae but their carbohydrate and trehalose content tended to decrease with temperature. Lipid content increased irrespective of whether the ambient temperature was lower, or higher, than the control. The total antioxidant activity of larvae was significantly affected by temperature. [Conclusion] Temperature can significantly affect the carbohydrate, trehalose and lipid content of gipsy moth larvae, and their total antioxidant activity, but has no significant effect on their soluble protein content. These results contribute to understanding the heat resistance of gypsy moth larvae and the control of this pest at different temperatures.