Biochemical and histological changes associated with downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii (Farl) Berl. and de Toni) infection in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Biochemical changes associated with downy mildew infection in sunflower revealed an increase in the total soluble proteins, 0-40% ammonium sulfate fractionated proteins and total soluble sugars. Molecular sieve chromatography of 0-40% ammonium sulphate fraction revealed for presence of a high molecular weight protein and polysaccharide in the downy mildew infected sunflower leaves. Antibodies raised against the high molecular weight protein and polysaccharide were used in the western blot/dot blot analysis. It has been shown that the downy mildew disease also induces PR proteins, which have antigenic homology with PR-S protein, a member of the PR-5 class of proteins. An increase in iPA (isopentenyl adenosine) content in the infected sample was observed. A positive correlation exists between iPA level, 0-40% protein and total sugar content. Histological studies revealed that the downy mildew fungal mycelium extensively proliferates, ramifies extensively the leaf tissue and forms a nutritional link with the host cell by producing the intracellular haustorium.