Lipoxygenase activity in fresh, stored, and germinating pearl millet seeds resistant and susceptible to downy mildew disease

Lipoxygenase activity was studied in fresh, stored, and germinating pearl millet seeds of downy mildew resistant and susceptible
genotypes. In both fresh and stored seeds, the enzyme activity was greater in resistant genotypes compared with that
of the susceptible ones. In seeds stored for a period of 6 months, a significant reduction in the lipoxygenase activity was
recorded, the reduction being greater in resistant seeds. Lipoxygenase activity decreased significantly in germinating seedlings
of resistant genotypes, whereas it increased significantly in the susceptible seedlings. The high vigour in the resistant
seeds of downy mildew resistant genotypes is attributed to their high enzyme activity.