Salicylic Acid Induced Resistance against Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) and Enhanced Seed Yield in Resistant and Susceptible Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Heper] Genotypes

Urdbean's low productivity is largely due to its susceptibility against whitefly-transmitted mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease. The effect of Salicylic acid (SA) on MYMV disease resistance and its impact on seed yield under field conditions on diverse genotypes is largely unknown. Therefore, in present investigation, we have analysed the effect of SA on induction of antioxidant enzymes leading to MYMV resistance and enhanced seed yield in urdbean genotypes.

Different concentrations of SA were sprayed on 3 week-old susceptible urdbean genotype (LBG 623) and induction of antioxidant enzymes was analysed. A pot experiment was conducted to see the effect of SA on initial induction of antioxidant enzymes maintained over long period of time in 39 urdbean genotypes. Under field conditions, the effect of SA treatment on MYMV disease resistance and seed yield was assessed.

Rise in antioxidant enzyme production was observed in SA treated urdbean plants challenged with MYMV. The field experiment revealed that exogenous SA application significantly reduced MYMV incidence and increased seed yield in all 39 urdbean genotypes tested. The ability to confer MYMV resistance along with the increase in seed yield suggests the incorporation of SA in effective MYMV management strategies in urdbean.