Evaluation for resistance of some spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) cultivars against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

Aim: The present study was carried out to screen ten cultivars of spinach (Spinach oleracea L.) for their response to Meloidogyne javanica under greenhouse conditions with the aim to exploit them for nematode management programme. Methodology: Ten commonly grown spinach cultivars were tested for their reaction to Meloidogyne javanica by inoculating 2000 second-stage juveniles in pots. Five seeds of each cultivar were surface sterilized with 1.0% NaOCl and sown in sterilized clay pots, placed in a completely randomized design. After three months the experiment was terminated and the plant growth, physiological and nematode infested parameters were evaluated. Results: None of the tested cultivar was immune, highly resistant or resistant to nematode infestation. Cultivars Pusa Bharti and Pahari were moderately resistant whereas Giant, All green and Kaveri were highly susceptible to nematode infestation. Five cultivars Pure green, Solan Harit, Green flavor, Super green and Kantedar were found to be susceptible. Interpretation: Growing moderately resistant cultivar in severely infested field with M. incognita may assist to minimize the root-knot nematode multiplication and thereby, reduce the crop damage below the threshold level. Thus using resistant cultivars against M. incognita can prove to be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective management approach. Key words: Meloidogyne javanica, Root-knot nematode, Spinach cultivars