International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Significant effect ofelevated CO₂ and temperature levels was observed on downy mildew severity in ridge gourd wherein, highest disease severity of 52.68 PDI was observed in open reference plot followed by ambient CO₂ @410±25 ppm with normal temperature (46.80 PDI). Meanwhile, the lowest disease intensity of 13.49 PDI was recorded in chambers with ambient CO₂ @410 ±25 ppm with 2⁰C rise in temperature. Similarly, these weather variables significantly impacted the biochemical composition of ridge gourd leading to resistance/ susceptible reaction against the disease. In respect of total sugar content, the treatment with elevated CO₂ @ 550 (±) 25 ppm with 2°C rise in temperature recorded highest total sugar content of 17.89 mg g^-1 followed by the treatment with elevated CO₂ @ 550 (±) 25 ppm with normal temperatures (14.28 mg g^-1). In a similar fashion, substantial effect on phenolic content was recorded wherein, highest total phenoloic content of 129.25 mg/ 100g was recorded for the treatment with ambient CO₂ @ 410(±)25 ppm with 2°C rise in temperature. Meanwhile, significant lowest total phenoloic content (109.65 mg/100g) was recorded in for ridge gourd grown in open/reference plot.