Studies on Biochemical Changes and Changes in Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes in Papaya Fruit Inoculated with Colletotrichum demetium

Studies on biochemical changes (soluble sugar, phenol, protein, ash, phosphorus, calcium) and changes in cell wall degrading enzymes (PG, PMG and CX) in papaya fruit inoculated with Colletotrichum demetium was carried out. Total protein content of inoculated papaya fruits was decreased by 0.63, 0.58 and 0.36 per cent at 6th, 7th and 8th day after inoculation, respectively, while in control fruit protein content was 1.80 mg/g. The TSS content in inoculated papaya fruits is progressively decreased by 3.93, 3.71 and 3.42 per cent at 6th, 7th and 8th day after inoculation. The total phenol content in papaya fruits inoculated with C. dematium were appreciably increased up to 3rd day and after that there was gradual decline in phenol content observed. Ash content in inoculated fruits was decreased progressively as the duration after inoculation increased after 6th, 7th and 8th day of inoculation, respectively. Calcium content was gradually reduced after inoculation as there was an increase in incubation period. Significantly lowest calcium content was recorded on 8th day after inoculation (12.17 mg/100ml). The phosphorous content decreased by 7.73, 5.17 and 3.53 mg/100ml at 6th, 7th and 8th day after inoculation, respectively. The enzymatic activities of PG, PMG and CX were higher in ripe fruits as compare to semi ripe fruits, respectively.