Partially purified ns-LTPs from plant source promote growth and induce downy mildew disease resistance in pearl millet

Abstract

Partially purified non-specific Lipid Transfer Proteins (ns-LTPs) of plant source were treated to pearl millet seeds at different concentrations for six hours. Among the tested, rice ns-LTP (100 μg/ml) showed a maximum seed germination of 94% and 1385 seedling vigour followed by maize and wheat. The treated seeds also enhanced growth parameters when compared to control plants. The maximum downy mildew disease protection of 56% was offered by rice ns-LTP (100 μg/ml) followed by maize and wheat which offered 52% and 47% protection, respectively. The ns-LTPs of maize and rice required minimum of three days after challenge inoculation to build up maximum resistance to downy mildew. The present investigation suggests that the ns-LTPs from plant source can be used as inducers in managing pearl millet downy mildew disease and also for plant growth promotion.

Keywords:

• ns-LTPs
• pearl millet
• disease resistance
• downy mildew
• induction of resistance
• plant growth promotion

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for awarding Major Research Project to corresponding author for financial assistance. Authors are also thankful to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), All India Co-ordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project (AICPMIP), Government of India, Mysore Center, Institution of Excellence (IOE) Project Authorities, University of Mysore, Mysore, India and Department of Botany DST-FIST for research facilities.