Biochemical changes in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) leaves infected with chilli leaf curl virus (CLCV)

Abstract

Chilli leaf curl virus (CLCV) is indeed a highly destructive disease in chilli plants, often leading to severe losses, sometimes as high as 100%. The virus is primarily transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. In a study focusing on the F2:3 mapping population of chilli plants, which showed variation in resistance and susceptibility to CLCV, several biochemical parameters were measured and correlated to understand the disease resistance mechanisms. The study involved a total of 120 contrasting genotypes. Among these, 14 plants each of highly resistant and highly susceptible types were selected for further biochemical analysis. For biochemical parameters like chlorophyll (0.28-0.83 mg/g), moisture (34.46-89.81%), total phenol (0.95-3.14 mg/g), total soluble sugar (2.28-7.70 mg/g) and membrane injury (32.10-65.24%). These biochemical parameters were then analyzed for their correlation with disease resistance. Such studies are crucial in identifying key traits and developing resistant varieties of chilli, thereby reducing the impact of Chilli Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV).