| Abstrakt: |
Among insect pests infesting stored dates, Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is highly destructive in packinghouses or storages, leading to substantial losses. This study assessed the nutritional performances, digestive enzymes activity, and energy reserves of P. interpunctella larvae fed on various date fruits, including Dayri, Estemaran, Fersi, Halavi, and Zahedi varieties. Additionally, date fruits were analyzed to ascertain their secondary metabolite contents. Food digestibility (AD) showed a negative correlation with the efficiency of conversion of ingested (ECI) and digested food (ECD). Conversely, positive correlations were identified between food digestibility and relative growth (RGR), consumption rate (RCR), food consumed, and larval and pupal weight. The lowest RGR and RCR values were noted in P. interpunctella larvae fed on Estemaran and Fersi varieties, indicating the reduced suitability of these host plants for larval development. According to our findings, larvae fed on the Zahedi variety exhibited the highest larval, frass, and pupal weight, as well as food consumption. The lowest amylolytic and proteolytic activity was observed in P. interpunctella larvae fed on the Estemaran variety. Amylolytic activity in P. interpunctella showed a positive correlation with protein and glycogen contents, while a significant positive correlation was found between proteolytic activity and larval protein content. The low protein content in larvae fed on the Estemaran variety suggests its unsuitability for P. interpunctella feeding and growth. Conversely, the Dayri variety had the lowest phenolic content, indicating its suitability for larval development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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