Differences in Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Black Bean Aphid Morphs (Aphis fabae Scop.) Fed on the Primary Host Viburnum opulus L.

Changes in the level of oxidative stress markers-superoxide anion radical (O-2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in the black bean aphid occurring on the primary host (viburnum plants) were studied. Among the aphid morphs, the lowest contents of O-2-, H2O2 and MDA were noted for winged adults (alatae), which were also characterized by the highest activity of antioxidant enzymes. These metabolic features indicate the adaptation of winged morphs to the colonization of new host plants. During spring migration, an increase in the content of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities in wingless females (fundatrigeniae) was observed. The significance of the biochemical adaptation of the black bean aphid to its winter host is discussed.

Automated summary

Changes in oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were studied in the black bean aphid. Winged adults showed lower oxidative stress marker levels and higher antioxidant enzyme activities, indicating adaptation to new host plants. Wingless females during spring migration showed increased marker levels and enzyme activities, suggesting biochemical adaptation to winter hosts.