Effect of fungicides and natural products on biochemical indices against yellow rust in wheat

This trial was formulated to evaluate the response of resistant (PBW725) and susceptible (HD2967) wheat varieties to the application of elicitor compounds (neem extract and fermented butter milk) and fungicides against Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici causing yellow rust in wheat. expression of defense related anti-oxidative enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POX) are activated in different defence related pathways to induce systemic resistance in plants through production of primary and secondary metabolites. elicitation of PAL, PPo and PoX was observed with foliar applications of all the fungicides and organic products. The resistant variety PBW 725 showed more expression of defense-related enzymes as compared to susceptible variety HD 2967. These enzymes peaked further when plants were challenged with Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici prior to sprays of fungicides or natural products, however, the retention period was very short (2 days). All fungicides/natural products tested, reduced yellow rust in wheat and resulted in enhanced grain yield than control.