Indian Phytopath. 54 (4) : 414-417 (200 I) Changes in activities of elicitor-releasing enzymes In pearlmillet leaves infected with Sclerospora graminicola

ABSTRACT: Activities of elicitor-releasing enzymes were assayed at different intervals of interaction between Sclerospora graminicola and leaf tissues of two susceptible cultivars (NHB-3 and 7042S) and two resistant cultivars (H90/4-S and HHB-68) of pearl millet. Activities of polygalacturonase and cellulase increased in response to S. graminicola infection in susceptible cultivars while these activities declined in resistant cultivars. fJ 1,3 glucanase activity increased in leaves of both resistant and susceptible cultivars but increase in activity was significantly higher in resistant cultivars. The study shows the involvement of these enzymes in host resistant expression. Key words: Polygalacturonase, cellulase, fJ-I,3 glucanase, pearl millet, downy mildew, Sclerospora graminicola Downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases in pearl millet (Pennisetuj!l glaucum (L).R. Br.) causing serious yield losses. Several disease resistant cultivars have been developed in pearl millet. However molecular basis of disease resistance is not known. Elicitors are the signal molecules which elicit defense mechanisms in host plants (Vidhyasekharan