Biochemical Basis of Resistance in Cowpea Genotypes Systemically Infected with Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV)

Bean common mosaic disease caused by Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) has been identified as a serious threat to cowpea in Indian subcontinent. Diagnostic symptoms of disease include vein banding and mosaic on cowpea leaves. However little is known about the plant virus interaction. In the present investigation total soluble protein content, activities of defense related enzymes like peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonialyase were quantitatively estimated in the leaves of resistant (CO6) and highly susceptible (local variety) genotypes of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). The results revealed a significant increase in amount of protein and defense related enzymes in inoculated plants of resistant genotype, indicating their positive correlation with disease resistance, thus these can be considered as biochemical markers for studying host pathogen interactions.