The er2 gene resistance against powdery mildew infection is associated with enhanced antioxidative protection and defense gene expression

Abstract

The present study was aimed at analyzing host responses of JI-2480, a resistant pea genotype carrying a recessive gene er2 and Arkel, a commercial cultivar susceptible to powdery mildew infection caused by Erysiphe pisi. The cellular responses were analyzed through biochemical, histo-chemical and defense gene expression in a time-course manner. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes showed higher activity in JI-2480 post-inoculation compared to Arkel suggesting antioxidant enzymes role in suppressing pathogen-induced oxidative burst. The er2 mediated resistance is likely conferred via maintaining a redox balance between the ROS generated and scavenged, coupled with rapid pathogenesis-related gene 1 (PR1) accumulation.