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Role of catalase, H2O2 and phenolics in resistance of pigeonpea towards Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

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Abstract

Rapid generation of superoxide radicals and accumulation of H2O2 is a characteristic early response of plants following perception of insect herbivory signals. Induction of oxidative burst on account of herbivory triggers various defense mechanisms in plants. Response of superoxide and H2O2-metabolizing enzymes and secondary metabolites in nine pigeonpea genotypes to Helicoverpa armigera feeding was investigated. Out of nine, four genotypes were found to be moderately resistant, three were intermediate and two were moderately susceptible. In general, H. armigera infestation resulted in increase in superoxide dismutase activity, H2O2 and phenolics content and decrease in catalase (CAT) activity in leaves, developing seeds and pod wall of pigeonpea genotypes. Peroxidase activity was found only in leaves. Among genotypes, the increase in phenolic constituents was found greater in moderately resistant genotypes than in moderately susceptible genotypes; this might determine their contribution in providing resistance to genotypes against H. armigera infestation. The capability of moderately resistant genotypes to maintain relatively lower H2O2 content and higher CAT activity in pod wall and developing seeds also appeared to determine resistance of genotypes towards H. armigera. Expression of resistance to H. armigera was found to be associated with a negative correlation of H2O2-metabolizing enzymes and phenolics with pod damage as well as with negative association between CAT activity and H2O2 content. A positive correlation found between H2O2 content and pod damage suggested the accumulation of H2O2 in response to pod borer attack. In addition, correlation analysis also revealed a positive association between CAT, phenolic compounds and DPPH radical scavenging activity following pod borer attack; this indicated their contribution in resistance mechanisms against H. armigera herbivory.

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Abbreviations

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

CAT:

Catalase

POD:

Peroxidase

DPPH:

2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrozyl

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

NOX:

NADPH oxidases

PSRR:

Pest susceptibility/resistance rating

PVP:

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone

SD:

Standard deviation

FW:

Fresh weight

I:

Infested

UI:

Uninfested

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, India

    Rimaljeet Kaur & Anil Kumar Gupta

  2. Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, India

    Gaurav Kumar Taggar

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  1. Rimaljeet Kaur
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  2. Anil Kumar Gupta
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  3. Gaurav Kumar Taggar
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Correspondence to Anil Kumar Gupta.

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Communicated by B. Barna.

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Kaur, R., Gupta, A.K. & Taggar, G.K. Role of catalase, H2O2 and phenolics in resistance of pigeonpea towards Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Acta Physiol Plant 36, 1513–1527 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-014-1528-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-014-1528-6

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