Jasmonic and salicylic acid-induced resistance in sorghum against the stem borer Chilo partellus

Induced resistance was studied in three sorghum genotypes (IS2205, ICSV1 and ICSV700) against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae) infestation and jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) application. The activity of plant defensive enzymes [peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)], and the amounts of total phenols, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proteins were recorded at 6 days after infestation. The induction of enzyme activities and the amounts of secondary metabolites varied among the genotypes and treatments. The genotype IS2205 showed a stronger effect than that of ICSV1 or ICSV 700. Treatment with JA followed by insect infestation induced greater levels of enzymes and secondary metabolites. The results suggest that JA induces greater levels of resistance components in sorghum plants against insect pests. Thus, pretreatment of plants with elicitors including JA and SA could provide a greater opportunity for plant defense against herbivores.