Enzymatic Study and Proximate Composition of Pearl Millet Genotypes in Relation to Downy Mildew

In the present study, five resistant and two susceptible pearl millet genotypes against downy mildew were analyzed for antioxidant and defense related enzymes and isozymes at seedling stage. Proximate analysis was performed with the seeds. Peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were higher in resistant genotypes at both two and five days after germination (DAG) stage, whereas catalase activity was higher amongst the resistant genotypes at five DAG stage. Both peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase isozymes were able to discriminate amongst these genotypes at five DAG stages differentially as well as qualitatively. Proximate analysis in general failed to give a clear indication to distinguish these genotypes based on their nature against the downy mildew disease. Therefore, antioxidant enzyme activity and isozymes may prove useful to differentiate the genotypes for resistance and susceptibility against downy mildew disease.