Physio-biochemical Differences in Two Varieties of Coccinia cordifolia Cogn., Resistant and Susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Erysiphe cichoracearum Dc.

Abstract

Two varieties of Coccinia cordifolia C ogn ., arbitrarily named as var. Aligarh and var. Allahabad, resistant and susceptible to the attack of Erysiphe cichoracearum Dc., when analysed for their physiobiochemical make-up, have shown that the susceptible variety — var. Allahabad, is rich in phosphorus, potassium, soluble and insoluble carbohydrates, proteins and phenolic contents as compared to the resistant variety — var. Aligarh. On the other hand, the resistant variety is found to be richer in its nitrogen content than the susceptible one. On the basis of this analysis, it is concluded that the differential response of the two varieties is due to their physio-biochemical make-up rather than the physical nature of their foliage.