Biochemical Changes in the leaf galls of Cinnamomum Verum Presl. (Syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum) induced by unknown Eriophyes sp.

Abstract

The genus Cinnamomum is a member of a tropical evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family. In its wild state, it grows up to 7m (56 ft). Cinnamomum verum Presl. (Syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is of commercial value and is extensively used in culinary as a spice in food and the ayurvedic system of medicine. One of the major diseases, causing severe losses in yield, thus affecting the economy in India is the leaf gall disease of Cinnamon. To understand the host-pathogen interactions, it becomes obligatory to estimate the proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, etc. present in a particular host plant quantitatively, to draw meaningful conclusions on host-pathogen interaction. The pathogen is always associated with the infection caused to a healthy plant. Eventually, biochemical changes take place in the diseased tissue. The pathogenic organism releases cell secretion, which comprises of various cell metabolites which alter the metabolism of the diseased tissue. In the present investigation, changes in the biochemical profile of healthy and diseased leaf of Cinnamon has been attempted, and the results have been discussed in the light of pathogenicity, induced by unknown Eriophyes sp.