Pectinase and plant growth-promoting factors in the salivary glands of the larva of the bug,Lygus disponsi

Pectinase was detected in the salivary gland of the larvae of Lygus disponsi. The pectinase activity per bug may increase gradually from the first instar larva to the adult. The salivary gland of the third instar larva contained substances indirectly promoting plant growth, i.e. the factor promoting the activity of 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) or the factor inhibiting the activity of IAA-oxidase, whereas those of the fourth and 5th instar larvae seemed to contain, in addition, auxins which directly promote plant growth. Larvae of all instars had a significant promoting factor only in fraction III of the salivary gland solution. The larvae are as toxic as the adults to sugar beet plants. The presence of pectinase and plant growth-promoting factors in the salivary gland is compared among mirid bugs, and their significance is discussed.