Effects of feeding on selenium-treated rice on the survival and enzyme activities in Sogatella furcifera

This study aims to determine the effects of feeding on selenium-treated rice on the survival and enzyme activities of Sogatella furcifera adults. The susceptible rice variety Taichung Native 1 (TN1) was grown in nutrient solutions added with 10 μmol Se/L sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) (Se+) and a non-selenium control (Se-, 0 μmol Se/L). The survival rate of S. furcifera adults feeding on the Se+ and Se- rice plants (hereafter referred as Se+ and Se- adults, respectively) were recorded, as well as the activities of the protective enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the detoxification enzymes glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CarE) and mixed-function oxidase (MFO) in Se+ and Se- adults. The results showed that from 4 to 7 days after infestation, the survival rate of the Se+ adults was significantly lower than that of the Se- adults. Compared to the Se- adults, significantly higher activities were observed in the Se+ for SOD, POD and CAT at 48 h post feeding, the CAT activity in the Se+ adults remained significantly higher at 72 h post feeding. The GST at 48, 72 and 96 h post feeding and the MFO at 48 and 72 h post feeding in the Se+ adults group increased significantly as well. To the contrary, SOD and CarE activities decreased significantly at 72 and 96 h post feeding in the Se+ adults in comparison with the Se- adults. These results indicate that Se-treated rice plants significantly influences the survival rate of S. furcifera adults and their activities of protective and detoxification enzymes, thereby influencing the normal physiological metabolism of the herbivores. The results of this study provide a basis for the production of selenium-enriched functional rice and management of S. furcifera.