Mechanisms of Biochemical Basis of Resistance Against Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Bhendi Accessions

A study was undertaken to analyze the biochemical basis of resistance in bhendi accessions as influenced by inorganic nutrients against Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Two bhendi accessions namely, Salem Local and Arka Anamika were used for this study. Mean nymphal population was minimum in K alone treated plants followed by NPK applied plants of both the accessions. Nymphal populations were higher in Arka Anamika when compared to Salem Local in both preliminary and confirmatory field screenings. Among the biochemical factors, the total phenol concentration was maximum in leaves of Salem Local treated with Potassium. The reducing and non-reducing sugar concentrations were maximum in leaves of Arka Anamika irrespective of the treatments. Total sugars concentration was found to be minimum in Salem Local irrespective of the treatments. Regarding nitrogen content, leaves of Salem Local accession had minimum quantity, irrespective of all the treatments. Phosphorus and potassium content were comparatively higher in the leaves of Salem Local than in Arka Anamika.