Role of Physical and Biochemical Parameters of Different Cluster Bean Varieties on the Guar Gum Content and Aphid Infestation

Abstract

A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f oCluster bean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. is one of the most important and potential vegetable cum industrial crop grown for its tender pods as vegetable and for endospermic gum (30-35%). The present study was conducted in a net house using pot experiments on seven different cluster bean varietal plants namely HG365, JJ1, JG2, GL1031, REC1025, RGC963, and RGC936. In these guar plants the physical, biochemical and enzymatic parameters were studied in correlation to the guar gum content and Aphis craccivora K. infestation. The physical parameters like germination percentage, seedling vigour and vigour index were superior in RGC963, HG365, JJ1, REC1025 plant varieties resulting in less aphid infestation. In addition, the gum content, total soluble sugars and total protein content were high in guar varieties of RGC963, HG365, JJ1, REC1025 followed by JG2, GL1031, and RGC936 along with a reduced content of amino acids. Whereas, enhanced levels of primary metabolites and antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were observed in the aphid infested cluster bean plants in comparison to normal, uninfested plants in all the varieties. This study reveals the possible role of enhanced plant biochemicals like carbohydrates and phenols towards higher yield of guar gum and lower aphid infestation respectively. In future the present research can lead us to the development of cluster bean varietal plants with higher gum yield potential for desired resistance towards biotic stresses.