Histochemical changes in leaf of chilli (Capsicum annuum l.) affected by chilli leaf curl virus

Leaf curl disease is caused by chilli leaf curl virus (Geminivirus) belonging to the family Geminiviridae. The PCR primers AVF9 and AVR10 were designed over putative coat protein gene comparing the sequences of the present isolated virus and chilli pepper leaf curl virus from the gene bank. The PCR of total DNA isolated from chilli leaves showing leaf curl symptoms resulted in amplification of 0.75 Kb fragment. Chilli leaf curl disease was characterized by severe adaxial and abaxial curling of the leaves, shrinking of leaves and stunted plant growth. Investigations were made on histochemical localization of metabolites viz. starch, lipid, protein, carbohydrates and enzymes in diseased and normal leaf of chilli. Tannins, starch, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were observed in enhanced quantity in diseased leaf as compared to healthy leaf. Relatively higher amount of localization of metabolites and activity of enzymes detected in the leaves suggested altered metabolism of the host tissue due to pathogenesis.