Screening of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes against Colletotrichum capsici and analysis of biochemical and enzymatic activities in inducing resistance

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) has its unique place in the world diet in its ripe dried form (as a spice) as well as green fruits (as vegetable). Colletotrichum capsici (Sydow) Butler and Bisby, which causes varied disease symptoms viz., anthracnose, die back, ripe fruit rot in chilli, is one of the major production constraints in tropical and subtropical areas. The pathogen caused yield reduction up to 66-84 % in Punjab [1]. Chemical control of anthracnose is hazardous and uneconomical, hence development and use of resistant varieties is the most pragmatic way to keep the disease under check. Before initiating any resistance breeding programme, one must have thorough knowledge on the nature and basis of resistance to anthracnose as they help in formulating effective breeding programme. Importance of some of the biochemical factors such as phenols and their related enzymes in imparting either a resistance or susceptible reaction in the host has been reported in many crops [2, 3]. The present study reports difference in biochemical factors and enzyme activities among different genotypes against anthracnose disease.