Protein markers for screening of CLS resistant mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.] genotypes

Abstract

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is a serious disease of mungbean, [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora cruenta Sacc., C. canescens Ell. or C. dolchi Ell. CLS infection may lead to defoliation to the extent of 75% and yield reduction to the tune of 23% [1]. Screening of genotypes resistant to this disease could mitigate such yield losses. Legume seeds contain 70% globulins, 15-20% albumins and 15-20% glutelins [2]. SOS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SOS-PAGE) of seed proteins in mungbean has been effectively employed for genotype characterization and elucidation of evolution and phylogenetic relationship [3, 4]. This approach has been used also for screening of MYMV resistant mungbean genotypes [5]. We report here on the SOS-PAGE analysis of seed albumins as protein markers to distinguish between CLS resistant and susceptible genotypes in this crop.