Changes in physiology and biochemistry of mottle streak virus infected finger millet plants

Abstract

A significant reduction in the growth parameters viz., plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, leaves, leaf area, 1000 grain weight and grain yield were observed in the mottle streak virus infected finger millet plants compared to healthy finger millet plants. The germination and vigour of seedlings from the seeds of infected plants were reduced. Physiological changes in finger millet as a result of virus infection were investigated. The chlorophyll pigments ‘a’ and ‘b’ as well as total chlorophyll were reduced due to mottle streak infection. The virus infection led to increased total sugar, starch, soluble protein and phenol contents. The mineral metabolism of infected plants showed a reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.

Keywords:

• chlorophyll
• mottle streak
• total sugar
• starch
• soluble protein and phenol
• mineral metabolism

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saveetha Kandhasamy

Part of the thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of M.S. at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.