Chitosan induces resistance components in Arachis hypogaea against leaf rust caused by Puccinia arachidis Speg
Sathiyabama, M.; Balasubramanian, R.
Crop Protection 17(4): 307-313
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0261-2194
DOI: 10.1016/s0261-2194(98)00017-9
Accession: 003067229
Chitosan (1000 ppm) reduced germination of uredospores of Puccinia arachidis, the incitant of groundnut leaf rust disease. Chitosan treatment of groundnut leaves before inoculation reduced the number of lesions, lesion diameter and sporulation of P. arachidis. Chitosan-treated leaves showed an increase in endogenous salicylic acid, intercellular chitinase and glucanase activity. These compounds had been previously associated with induced resistance responses. Enzyme activity staining showed new isoforms of chitinase and glucanase in treated groundnut leaves. Western blot analysis of treated groundnut leaves also showed new isoforms of chitinase and glucanase.