Abstract

Biochemical studies on susceptible, tolerant and immune genotypes of blackpepper to Phytophthora capsici were analysed for total and OD phenols, reducing and non-reducing sugars and free amino acid contents. As compared to uninoculated plants, the contents of total phenol and free amino acids in the inoculated plants increased in Panniyur 1. In contrast Kalluvally reported to be tolerant to P. capsici registered increase in the contents of total phenols only. While the immune genotype had exhibited decrease in contents of OD phenol, reducing and non-reducing sugars as compared with uninoculated plants. It is suggested that biochemical differences observed could be used for screening disease resistance genotypes to P. capsici.

Keywords: Blackpepper, Piper spp., Phytophthora capsici, Disease resistance.