Biochemical characterization of superior seedless variety of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) for resistance to anthracnose

Superior seedless is a promising variety of grape under moist and warm conditions may severely get hampered by anthracnose caused by Gloeosporium ampelophagum (Pass.) Sacc. To evaluate the biochemical reaction of the variety to the pathogen, the study was undertaken at Ludhiana (Punjab) in 2016. The percent disease index (0–9) scale, the morphological and anatomical characteristics were studied in the grape leaves. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total soluble proteins and free amino acid content decreased by 28.16, 3.94, 15.93, 85.86, 45.05 and 46.21%, respectively in anthracnose infected leaves as compared to healthy ones, while total soluble sugars, total phenols, ortho-dihydroxy phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, proline, α-tocopherol, MDA content, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity increased significantly by 9.75, 36.60, 21.80, 36.48, 23.04, 62.75, 90.47, 8.81, 10.49 and 3.12%, respectively. Increase in concentration of these chemical indicates the initiation of defense against G. ampelophagum in variety superior seedless. © 2018, Indian Phytopathological Society.