ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN ALTERNARIA DESTRUENS INFECTED CANOLA PLANTS

Abstract

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a major edible oil producing crop belongs to family Brassicaceae. Species of genus Alternaria have always been an increasing threat to Brassicaceae crops as pathogen of black spot diseases in plants. The present study was conducted to analyze the content of chlorophyll, protein and proline along with activities of peroxidase and catalase in canola plants infected with Alternaria destruens. Comparative analysis of physiology as well as biochemistry of diseased and healthy plants demonstrated that metabolism of disease plants was affected to a great extent. Content of chlorophyll, protein and proline was significantly declined by 60, 40 and 50%, respectively in diseased leaves as compared to healthy leaves. Activity of catalase was significantly increased and that of peroxidase was non-significantly different in diseased leaves in comparison to healthy ones. It was concluded that disturbed physiology and biochemistry of disease plants could lead to a disaster for the yield of this major oil producing crop.