Downy mildew, caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet, is a disease of great economic significance in the production of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Host physiology particularly host metabolites and oxidising enzymes get disturbed due to attack of Sclerospora graminicola. Altered state of oxidative enzyme plays an important role in plant metabolism during pathogenesis. In the present investigation biochemical characterization of pearl millet genotypes - HHB 223 and 7042 S was carried out at 30, 40, 50 and 70 DAS. Total phenols were higher in resistant genotype at 30 DAS in comparison to susceptible genotype but with the progression of disease total phenols decreased in resistant genotype at 40, 50 and 70 DAS but in susceptible genotype they increased. Orthodihydroxy phenol was higher in resistant genotype at all the stages in comparison to susceptible genotype. | Attribution of biochemical characters in downy mildew resistant and susceptible hybrids of pearl millet
