Biochemical basis of resistance to cotton cultivars against mealy bugs (Phenococcus solenopsis Tinsley)

The current work aims at studying the defense mechanism of cotton plant against mealybug (Phenococcus solenopsis). Changes in phenol, tannin and lipid activity were observed in both resistant and susceptible cotton cultivars in response to mealy bug infestation. Highly susceptible cultivar had higher protein quantity than resistant and tolerant cultivars, whereas phenol tannin and lipid content were higher in resistant cultivars. Total soluble sugar content for resistant and tolerant cultivars remained at similar levels. Gel stained for protein identified differences in the protein bands of resistant, tolerant and susceptible cultivars.