Activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase within winter triticale seedlings infested by grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.)

Amino acid level is well known indicator of plant resistance to aphids. Our earlier studies showed that grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) infestation caused changes in the activity of the enzymes connected with amino acid biosynthesis and the transformation to defensive secondary metabolites within triticale tissues. However, there are not data on the significance of aminotransferases in these processes. The aim of our study was the quantification of changes in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) in winter triticale seedlings caused by the feeding of the grain aphid. The study results showed that aphid feeding caused an increase in AlaAT activity and a decrease in AspAT activity within tissues of the triticale. The induced mechanisms of the triticale resistance to the grain aphid are discussed.