Diet-specific salivary gene expression and glucose oxidase activity in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

▶ Three diet-dependent genes were identified in Spodoptera exigua labial salivary glands. ▶ SeGOX transcript levels reflected the dietary carbohydrate (CHO) content. ▶ GOX activity only reflected CHO levels when caterpillars were fed protein-rich diets. ▶ Results suggest that dietary CHO affects SeGOX expression. ▶ In comparison, proteins affect SeGOX translation or post-translational regulation.