been studied extensively (Cook et al., 1997;Ogallo et al., 1997;Robinson et al., 1999;Shepherd, 1974 Shepherd, , 1983 be-Currently available cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars supcause M. incognita causes more damage to cotton in the port significant reproduction of the southern root-knot nematode USA than any other pathogen (National Cotton Council [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood], but they have not been evaluated for differing levels of yield suppression (tolerance) of America disease loss estimates, www.cotton.org/tech/ to this nematode. If nematode tolerant (low yield suppression) but pest/index.cfm [verified 14 June 2005]). In contrast, tolsusceptible (high nematode reproduction) cotton cultivars can be idenerance to M. incognita in cotton is poorly documented tified, they could be grown rather than intolerant cultivars to reduce and has received relatively little study (Davis and May, yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate a collection of 2003).
M. incognita-susceptible cotton cultivars for tolerance to parasitismResistance and tolerance to nematodes can be exby this nematode. The yield potential and percentage yield loss to pressed independently in potato (Solanum tuberosum M. incognita were measured in 12 genotypes in 2002 and 2003 by L.) (Arntzen et al., 1994; Evans and Haydock, 1990; comparing yields in 1,3-dichloropropene-fumigated and nonfumi- Trudgill and Coates, 1983) and soybean [Glycine max gated plots. The percentage yield suppression caused by M. incognita (L.) Merr.] (Boerma and Hussey, 1984, 1992). It is not differed among cotton genotypes in both 2002 and 2003. Yield suppression ranged from 18.0 to 47.3% in 2002 and from 8.5 to 35.7% in 2003.