The effect of rust infection on DNA, RNA, and protein in nuclei of Khapli wheat leaves

Abstract

The effects were determined of infection with Race 15B of the stem rust fungus on the levels of nuclear DNA (Feulgen), RNA (azure B), histone (fast green pH 8.1), and total protein (fast green pH 2.0) and on the size of the nuclei in the mesophyll cells of the primary leaf of Khapli wheat (rust reaction type 1). Nuclear size, RNA, and total protein content increased and histone content decreased by 3 days after inoculation. DNA content decreased from 4 days after inoculation. These results for the resistant variety Khapli are similar to those reported earlier for the susceptible variety, Little Club, but the observed changes occur more rapidly after inoculation than they do in Little Club.