Defense system in chickpea genotypes differing in tolerance to Helicoverpa armigera infestation

Antioxidative enzymes, non enzymic antioxidants and signaling molecules were compared in leaves and podwall of ten chickpea genotypes namely ICC 506, ICCV 10, ICC 10393, 5282, RSG 963, GL 25016, GL 26054, ICCL 86111, ICC 3137 and L 550 after Helicoverpa armigera infestation. Two chickpea genotypes (ICC 3137 and L 550) were found to be susceptible and rest of eight genotypes were found to be resistant on the basis of leaf and pod damage due to to Helicoverpa armigera infestation. The activities of defensive enzymes like, peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase(APX) and glutathione reductase (GR); content of nitric oxide (NO), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP), glycine betaine (GB), total phenols (TP) and proline were higher in leaves and pod wall of resistant genotypes than susceptible genotypes. Genotype 5282 was found to be the most resistant having lower leaf and pod damage and it had higher POD, nitric oxide, DPPH, FRAP, total phenols and proline content.