Biochemical aspects of host plant resistance to yellow mite in chilli

Different biochemical constituents like phenols, sugars, tannins, chlorophyll, proteins and nutrient composition of N,P,K, Ca and Mg in leaf were estimated in fifteen chilli cultures, representing resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible groups to mite infestation. The different biochemical constituents and nutrients in leaf were correlated with mite incidence. Among the biochemical parameters studied tannins, phenols, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll were found to have negative correlation with mite incidence. Total sugars, protein content and nitrogen content exhibited positive association with mite incidence. Phosphorous content in leaf did not exhibit any relationship with mite incidence.