Changes in photosynthetic pigment and carbohydrate content in common bean cultivars infected by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrate contents on resistant and susceptible plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (cvs. Mexico 222 and Widusa) infected by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum race 23. The experimental design used was entirely randomized in factorial scheme, with 2 cultivars (Mexico 222 and Widusa) and 2 treatments (control and inoculated). The cultivar Widusa (susceptible) showed a significant reduction in photosynthetic pigments, and an increase in the total carbohydrates, sucrose and reducing carbohydrates, whereas the cultivar Mexico 222 (resistant) showed a significant change in the carotenoid and total carbohydrate contents.