Changes in the Content of Certain Oxidative Defense Enzymes and Pigments in Leaves of Some Date Palm Cultivars Due to Infestation by the Red Palm Weevil in Egypt

Abstract: Abstract: The most dangerous insect pest of planted date palm trees in numerous countries is the red palm
weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Current work aimed to evaluate
the effect of (RPW) infestation on some biochemical characteristics of infested date palm cultivars defensive
oxidation enzymes, Peroxidase, Polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity and photosynthetic pigments content
Chlorophyll a and b in infested date palm cultivars from three governorates, Giza, El Beheira and New Valley
compared to healthy (non infested) date palm from the same cultivars. Obtained results indicated that the
infestation of RPW to different date palm cultivars affected oxidative enzymes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase
activities and pigments, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents of the infested cultivars. Data showed
significant increase in peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities of infested date palm cultivars (Zagloul,
Siwi and Bartamoda) with red palm weevil compared to healthy date palm of the same cultivar. While, the
obtained results of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b recorded significant decrease for the tested cultivars
(Zagloul, Siwi and Bartamoda) compared to the healthy date palm of each cultivar. Through these results, it can
be concluded that the infestation with RPW to various date palm cultivars, whether the fresh, semi dry and dry
cultivars represented by Zaghloul, Siwi and Bartamoda, respectively led to a significant increase in the activity
of some defensive enzymes peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in the infested date palm, cultivars
at the same time, there is a decrease in the level of pigments, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b of infested palms
compared to healthy date palm from each cultivar separately.
Publication year 2023
Organization Name
Author(s) from ARC
Publication Type Journal