Effect of food plants on (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae immune and antioxidant properties in response to infection.

The larvae of (Fabricius) were reared on five host plants, , , , , and . The larvae were immunized with to observe the immune response. The results of total and differential hemocyte count were increased in , , and fed larval hemolymph. Similar results were observed in the parameter of nodulation, melanization, and phenoloxidase. Total protein was higher in fed larvae. Antioxidant levels like Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione S- transferase (GST), Peroxidase (POX), Lipid peroxidase (LPO), and Esterase (EST) was found in moreover all plant-feeding insect. High CAT activity was observed 2-6 h in , , and fed larval midgut and fatbody samples. Increased SOD activity in both midgut and fatbody at 2-12 h of , , and fed. GST activity was increased initially 2-6 h in and . Increased POX activity was observed initially in all treated groups. Highest LPO observed at 6 h in in both midgut and fatbody. Whereas increased EST activity was observed in and . The results of the present study shows that nature of food influence the immunity against Bt infection. This information can be very useful for incorporating biological control program for insect pest.