Biochemical Characterization of Near-Isogenic Wheat Lines Carrying Various Rust Resistance Genes

Near-isogenic wheat lines carrying various rust resistance genes were analysed for changes in various biochemical parameters. Rust resistant near-isogenic wheat lines had higher lipid content and retained relatively steady level of chlorophyll content, while in the susceptible wheat parents, the lipid and chlorophyll contents reduced at a faster rate. The contents of total free amino acids were increased up to 8th day of inoculation both in susceptible and in resistant wheat lines, after that there was slight reduction in both the cases. Resistant near-isogenic lines accumulated proline at a more rapid rate and at higher level as a result of infection than susceptible wheat parents. Respiration rate increased to a greater extent in resistant near-isogenic lines compared to susceptible parents. Significant increase in total free phenols, tannin and nuclear DNA content was also noticed in the constituted near-isogenic lines over their parents. Activity of ribonuclease and nuclease-I were high at 15th day of inoculation in both susceptible parents and resistant lines. Significant decrease in specific activities compared to the susceptible parents at 10th and 15th day stage after inoculation with the rust spores.