Effect of elicitor spray and Erysiphe Polygoni, inoculation on β-1,3 glucanase activity in PEA cultivars resistant and susceptible to powdery mildew

Activity of β-1, 3 glucanase in pea cultivars Arkel and JP-179, susceptible and resistant to powdery mildew, respectively was estimated after spray with elicitors [salicylic acid (SA) and 4-aminobutyric acid (4-ABA)] and inoculation with E. polgoni. There was a significant increase in enzyme activity as compared to control in both the cultivars after treatment with 5 mM SA, but 5 mM 4-ABA treatment did not show significant effect. Maximum enhancement in enzyme activity was observed after inoculation with E. polygoni in both the cultvars. The values of enzyme activity were higher in JP-179 as compared to cultivar Arkel. The protein content increased in the intercellular fluid after above treatments. Since, glucanases are thought to play a direct role in plant defence by digesting fungal cell walls, as suggested by their anti-fungal properties, hence treatment with 5 mM SA may contribute to the acquired resistance of the pea plant by induction of glucanase activity.