Juvenile hormone inhibits the synthesis of major larval haemolymph proteins in rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica

Abstract

Larval haemolymph proteins (LHP), LHP49 and LHP46 are produced in the penultimate and last larval instars. Starvation during the early and mid stage of last instar development prevents the production of both LHPs. Decapitation in early and mid last instar stimulates LHP synthesis and their concentration in haemolymph increases, while ligation in last instar larvae blocks the production of LHPs. Application of exogenous JH lowers the synthesis of LHP49 and LHP46 in Corcyra. These observations suggests that LHP49 and LHP46 synthesis is activated during the periods when JH titres are either low or undetectable.