Acetylcholinesterase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity in beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) exposed to nickel and/or diazinon.

The effect of single and combined action of nickel and pesticide (diazinon) on enzymes activity (glutathione S-transferase, catalase and acetylcholinesterase) in the digestive tract, body wall and fat body as well as basic growth parameters (life span and body mass) of Spodoptera exigua were investigated under laboratory conditions. The experiment was carried out on two nickel treated groups [300 (NiI) and 900 (NiII) mg Ni kg(-1) dry weight of the culture medium] and a control group. The results showed that mortality of caterpillars in NiII group was higher (51.1%) when compare with the controls. The body mass of the caterpillars in the NiI group was higher by 20% than in the control group, and the body mass of the pupae in the NiII group was lower by 22% than in the control group. Exposure to nickel influenced AChE, GST and catalase activity in the body wall (increase up to 66%) and GI tract, while in the fat body the above-mentioned activity remained unchanged. The pesticide application caused a strong, about 70% reduction in AChE activity in GI tract, while in case of GST activity pesticide treatment resulted in multidirectional response depending on the organ. Nickel pre-treatment affects the susceptibility to pesticide, which is manifested in a lower activity of GST and catalase in the fat body (from 26 to 36%), when compare with the other experimental groups.