Pseudomonas fluorescens mediated systemic resistance in black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is driven through an elevated synthesis of defence enzymes

Efficient strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens identified were evaluated for their efficacy in inducing defence enzymes in black pepper. Increased levels of Peroxidase (PO), Catalase, Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) and Poly Phenol Oxidase (PPO) were induced in leaves apart from the roots of treated plants indicating the systemic protection offered to black pepper by the strains exploring the prevention of even foliar infection by the pathogen, Phytophthora capsici. The increase in production of defence enzymes upon challenge were higher in the non-bacterized plants compared to the bacterized plants, indicating the lesser requirement of defence enzymes in the bacterized plants upon encounter with the pathogen. Also found was a relatively higher quantity of lignification (30 – 100% over control) in the bacterized roots compared to the plants untreated which resulted in significant root rot suppression.