2017 Vol.23 No.1 PP 237-244

STUDY OF ACETYL CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY IN FORAGER WORKER BEES OF APIS MELLIFERA UNDER STRESS OF PESTICIDES

SUSHIL KUMAR

Department of Zoology,
Govt. PG College, BISALPUR,
PILIBHIT-262201 (U.P.) INDIA
*Corresponding Author :
Email: sushilsoni021@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The effect of sublethal concentrations 1/8 and 1/4 of LC50 at 24 h of five pesticides including three organophosphates, Dimethoate, Malathion and Quinalphos, one neonicotinoid Acetamiprid and one biopesticide Neem oil on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in forager bees of Apis mellifera was studied. The specific activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured in head and thorax of surviving foragers after 24 h of treatment. The data revealed that all the pesticides suppressed the AChE activity but organophosphates had more inhibitory effect on AChE activity as compared to neonicotinoid Acetamiprid. Among organophosphates Dimethoate proved to be most toxic at sublethal concentrations followed by Malathion, Quinalphos and acetamiprid. Significant changes were observed at 1/4 of LC50 at 24 hrs but did not have so well defined inhibitory effect at 1/8 of LC50 at 24 h Neem oil was found to be nontoxic.

Key words : Acetamiprid, Apis mellifera, Biopesticide, Organophosphates.