Abstract

The effect of increasing doses of potassium against Pyricularia oryzae inoculation on the production of pectinolytic and cellulolytic enzymes in inoculated leaves was studied in rice variety IR..50. The activity of protopectinase (PP), polygalacturonase (PG), poly galacturonate trans eliminase (PGTE), Pectin trans eliminase (PTE) and cellulases (C1 and Cx) was found to decline due to higher levels of potassium. On the other hand, B glucosidase activity was enhanced markedly as the rate of potassium application increased. The increased ẞ-glucosidase activity due to increased application of potassium inhibited the lesion development, thereby resisting the entry of the pathogen into the host.

Keywords: Rice blast, Potassium, Enzyme production