Effect of diflubenzuron on growth and carbohydrate hydrolases ofTribolium castaneum

The potency of diflubenzuron is much greater in inhibiting growth and development of 1st instar larvae ofTribolium castaneum than of 4th instar larvae, as expressed by death at the apolytic stage and retardation of larval development. A dose-dependent decrease in the activity of trehalase, invertase and amylase was obtainedin vivo with the increase in diflubenzuron concentration. At 5 ppm dietary concentration, a reduction of 37 and 27% in invertase and trehalase activity, respectively, was obtained in 4th instar larvae fed for 3 days on treated diet. The amylase activity was affected to a lesser extent. The observed disturbances of trehalase activity might hamper the supply of glucose needed for chitin build-up and those of invertase and amylase activity might affect feeding. Diflubenzuron does not inhibit these enzymesin vitro; hence, thein vivo effect seems to result from general disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism.