Isozymes variability among Fusarium udum resistant cultivars of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) (Millsp)

The present study was carried out to select the different pigeonpea cultivars for resistance against wilt caused by Fusarium udum and to assess the genetic variability among the resistant and susceptible cultivars. These cultivars were screened by root dip inoculation and classified into resistant (ICP 8863 and 9145), moderately resistant (ICP 11681 and Selection-1), susceptible (ICP 7118, TRG-1 and LRG-30) and highly susceptible cultivars (ICP-2376 and LRG-41). The peroxidase activity (PEO) in both leaf and root tissues of four pigeonpea cultivars (ICP 8863, Selection-1, ICP 2376 and LRG-30) were determined at 1(st), 4(th) and 7(th) day after inoculation (DAI) in healthy and F. udum infected tissues. Higher PEO activity in both leaf and root was observed and at 4 DAI in susceptible cultivars. In native-PAGE analysis of isozymes, the induction of specific leaf peroxidase band (Em = 0.17) and two root peroxidase bands (Em = 0.24 and 0.55) were observed in ICP 8863 after inoculation. Significant differences were observed in the leaf phosphatase and esterase banding profiles of all the cultivars. The presence of leaf phosphatase band at Em of 0.04 was observed only in ICP 8863 and 11681. The leaf esterase band (Em = 0.3) was well expressed in ICP 8863 when compared to other cultivars. The significance of peroxidase in plant defense mechanism and utility of biochemical markers in breeding programmes are discussed.