Degradation of Toxic Mimosine by a Hydrolytic Enzyme of Leucaena Psyllids (Jumping Plant Lice)

Abstract

Psyllid, a noxious insect, has spread everywhere in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. This insect has an habit of infesting Leucaena leucocephala. We have found that a crude enzyme of psyllid hydrolyzed mimosine, a strongly toxic substance for livestock, into 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone, pyruvic acid, and ammonia. Besides, this enzyme was also able to cleave 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone.