Biochemical factors associated with cassava resistance to whitefly infestation

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) an important food security crop, is inflicted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) worldwide, causing direct damage of up to 80% of yield loss. Although resistance to the pest has been associated with antibiosis, changes that occur in metabolite activity, and their effect on the pest have not been fully elucidated. A study was carried out to evaluate changes in peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity in cassava genotypes attacked by B. tabaci in order to contribute to knowledge on whitefly resistance in cassava. Five genotypes showing resistance, and three susceptible, were selected based on whitefly count and leaf damage scores, and assayed for peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity. There were significant differences among genotypes for leaf damage (P < 0.01) of three to six months plants. Genotypes CS1-144, UG 120133 and NAM 130 showed low damage scores (< 2.00); but a high damage score (> 2.5) was incurred by UG 130068. All genotypes showed significant (P < 0.05) differences for peroxidase activity, with CS1-144 having a high activity rate three months after planting. The lowest activity was observed in UG 120170, a susceptible genotype. A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation (r = -0.84) was observed between peroxidase activity and cassava leaf damage scores, as well as between tannin and damage (r = -0.57), indicating that peroxidase and tannin play a part in cassava resistance to B. tabaci.

Key Words: Antibiosis, Bemisia tabaci, flavonoids, peroxidase, tannins