Effect of GI chitosan on biochemical parameters of pea leaves infected by Erysiphe pisi

Abstract

Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi is one of the major devastating disease affecting the pea crop. In order to bring residue free peas, there is need to manage these diseases through eco-friendly measures such as by using the chitosan which is antifungal as well as induces resistance in plants. GI chitosan is a deacetylated derivative of chitin obtained by gamma irradiation of chitosan. Present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of GI chitosan on biochemical parameter i.e. Phenols, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase present in powdery mildew infected pea leaves. The highest content of phenols, β-1,3-glucanase, and chitinase were observed when two sprays of GI chitosan @75 ppm were given at 30 and 40 DAS. The results indicate that there were highest contents of phenols (1.56 and 2.85 mg /g respectively), β-1,3-glucanase (1.97 and 2.76 n moles of D glucose min-1 mg-1 protein respectively), and chitinase (2.01 and 2.89 mg N- acetylglucosamine released g-1 soluble protein h-1 respectively) as compared to control. Phenols, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase was found increased in the GI chitosan treatment which are the defence activators of the pathogen. Thus, preventive sprays of GI chitosan reduce the powdery mildew intensity in pea.