Investigation on the biochemical changes occurs in the seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre by fungal infection

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata has been found to be one of the most suitable bio-fuel plants due to its various favourable attributes. Numbers of fungal species were found associated with seeds. Among these fungi C. cladosporioides was dominant followed by Alternaria and Aspergillus species. The aim of research work is to estimate primary metabolites such as total lipid, protein, reducing sugar, carbohydrate and starch which are present in seeds of Pongamia pinnata. The percent of total Lipid content in healthy seeds (0.79 mg / gm.), reducing sugar (1.26 mg / gm.), protein (2.66 mg / gm.) and carbohydrate (15.44 mg / gm.) respectively. During fungal infection biochemical changes occur in the seeds and the infected seeds shows reduction in total lipid content (0.58 mg / gm.), proteins (1.95 mg / gm.), reducing sugars (0.819 mg / gm.) and carbohydrates (12.70 mg / gm.). The percent of reduction in total lipid about 0.21%, reducing sugar 0.44% and carbohydrate 2.74%. From 100 gm. of healthy seeds 37 ml oil is obtained by Soxhlet apparatus, while in infected seeds (100 gm.) it was 32 ml. There was a reduction of 5% of oil.