Biochemical changes in the leaves of mungbean ( Vigna radiata ) plants infected by phytoplasma

Abstract Objective Phyllody disease caused by phytoplasma is an emerging problem in mungbean worldwide. However, the alterations in the host physiology and its associated biochemical components induced by the infection with phytoplasma in mungbean plant remain unknown. Hence the present study was performed with the diseased plants in order to determine the patho-physiological changes that take place. Methods Under present study, the changes in total phenolic compounds, total soluble proteins, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were studied in leaves of phytoplasma-infected and healthy plants of six mungbean genotypes. Results Total phenols were decreased significantly in four but increased in one genotype. Protein contents were increased significantly in two genotypes, POD in four, PPO in one and PAL in two genotypes. However, activity of CAT and amount of Chl a , Chl b and total Chl were decreased significantly in all genotypes. Conclusion These results suggest that phytoplasma can interfere with host metabolism and photosynthesis to induce disease. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the mungbean response to phytoplasma infection.