Effects of Heavy Metal Stress on Protein and Glycogen Synthesis of Pimpla turionellae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract

In the present study, effects of cadmium on protein and glycogen synthesis of parasitoid Pimpla turionellae (Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae) were investigated. The amount of total protein synthesized by insect significantly affected by cadmium from the day of 20th. Protein amount decreased in all concentrations of Cd compared to control at this day. 30th day, the amount of protein in insects fed on diet with the lowest Cd concentration increased, while the highest concentration decreased significantly. The amount of glycogen synthesized by insect affected by Cd from the day of 10th, and showed increases compare to control. Glycogen amount of insects fed on diet containing 0.10 and 0.50 mg Cd significantly increased on day 20th. This increase was observed in only high concentrations of cadmium (0.50 and 1 mg Cd) on day 30th. These changes observed P turionellae under the heavy metal stress are more significant for observing the effects of heavy metals on beneficial species use as biologic control agents and be able to use for bioindicator to heavy metal contamination.