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.

Abstract

Changes in the level of oxidative stress markers—superoxide anion radical (O2−), 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 O2−, 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.