Biochemical indicators for resistance to charcoal and fusarium Stalk-rot in maize hybrids

Thirteen maize hybrids sown in spring season were artificially screened against Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium moniliforme causing charcoal rot and Fusarium stalk rot respectively at post flowering stage of the crop. None of these hybrids was found resistant to charcoal rot and Fusarium stalk rot, whereas PMH 1, JH 10704, Paras, NK 6240 and PMH 2 showed moderate resistant reaction to both these diseases. The per cent yield loss due to both the diseases was observed maximum in DMH 849 (29.0%) and DMH 888 (15.3%) respectively as compared to control. These hybrids were further analyzed for phenols, oil, starch, reducing sugars, proteins and total sugars to find out the relationship, if any, of these compounds with the susceptibility to Macrophomina phaseolina. Study showed significant correlation of disease resistance with biochemical parameters. Higher protein, phenols, total and reducing sugars content in cultivars coupled with other biochemical components might play a vital role in providing resistance towards charcoal rot in maize grains.