Estimation of salicylic acid and its role in resistance mechanism in chickpea against Meloidogyne incognita

Eleven promising genotypes of chickpea were screened against root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) nematodes in 15 cm diam. pots. The varieties were characterized as resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible. Out of 11 genotypes, all were moderately resistant except Pusa 362 which was susceptible. Only four varieties, BGD-93, Pusa 267 (MR), Pusa 391 (MR) and Pusa 362 (S) were selected for the estimation of Salicylic acid (SA) by spectrophotometer. The results showed that the moderately resistant varieties BGD93, Pusa 267 and Pusa 391 had higher content of SA, 16.44, 16.11, 15.55 and 14.75 ppm/g sample respectively, compared to susceptible variety, Pusa 362 (14.75 ppm). Moreover, the SA content in roots (24.00 - 18.14 ppm/g sample) was more as compared in the shoots which ranged between 16.44 - 14.75 ppm. Therefore, the SA has a positive role in resistant mechanism in chickpea.