Screening of mustard varieties for biophysical and biochemical basis of host-plant resistance against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)

AbstractIn the present investigation, 20 mustard varieties, along with one check variety, were screened for resistance against mustard aphid infestation. The results categorized 2 varieties as highly resistant, 10 varieties as resistant, and 8 as moderately resistant. Aphid-infested plants exhibited a significant reduction in chlorophyll content, indicating a decline in photosynthetic efficiency. Furthermore, varieties with higher concentrations of secondary metabolites, such as total phenols, proteins, and glucosinolates, showed lower aphid incidence, suggesting their role in enhancing resistance.