Biochemical basis of host-plant resistance to shoot and fruit borer, Diaphania caesalis WIk. in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)

Abstract

Shoot and fruit borer, Diaphania caesalis Wlk. is a major pest of jackfruit, which feeds on tender shoots, flowers, leaf buds and fruits that leads to reduce yield and quality. Studies were conducted to understand the relationship between host-plant resistance and biochemical attributes. Total phenol, antioxidant activity and epicuticular wax were evaluated in contrasting jackfruit accessions to understand the biochemical basis of resistance and susceptibility against D. caesalis. The study revealed that total phenol content and radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were higher in resistant accessions. However, on the contrary, higher wax content was observed in susceptible accessions compared to the resistant ones. Correlation studies between percent bud damage caused by D. caesalis with these biochemical parameters unveiled that total phenols and DPPH activity had a significant negative correlation, while epicuticular wax had a significant positive relationship with percent bud damage. These results suggest that a combination of these biochemical attributes like phenol and DPPH activitymay contribute to plant resistance, which might be used as markers in selection of resistant jack fruit sources against the target pest.