Resistance of pepper lines against Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

SummaryRoot-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae)) are important pests of pepper causing important crop losses. The study was carried out in joint of Biological Control Research Station and Alata Horticultural Research Station from 2010 to 2014. Fifty-seven pepper lines were tested at 25 ± 2.0°C against Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, populations collected from the pepper fields in Mersin. Results of infection of nematodes were evaluated as gall index 60 days after inoculation. The 27 of the lines were considered resistant with 0-2 gall index and 30 were considered susceptible with 3-5 gall index. The homozygous pepper lines determined to be resistant were tested 3 times using different M. incognita populations. The pepper lines resistant for nematodes were crossed with susceptible lines having high yield and fruit quality characteristics. The nematode resistant hybrids 913XH9, 100XH8, N-269X1547 and N269X953-W showed the highest yield performance. These candidate hybrids could be used in root-knot nematode infected agricultural areas.