Screening for resistance and susceptibility in some beetroot cultivars to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted to identify the resistance and susceptibility of beetroot cultivars against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. Methodology: In this study, seven beetroot cultivars were screened against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, at the inoculum level of 1500 second-stage juveniles (J2s) per pot. Five replications of each cultivar of beetroot were used for screening and kept in a completely randomized design (CRD) at 25 ± 2 °C under greenhouse conditions. The data were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS-17 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). According to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, the mean values were statistically compared and separated at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The results revealed that all seven cultivars of beetroot showed varying degrees of resistance and susceptibility to M. javanica. Among all the cultivars, three were moderately resistant, i.e., CG, DDR and Red Ace with the minimum number of galls (4.0, 8.0 and 7.0), and two were moderately susceptible, i.e., Atlas and Red Queen (28 and 22). Red Ruby (84) was found susceptible and Red Express was highly susceptible with the maximum galls (126). None of the cultivars were found to be highly resistant or immune. Interpretation: A positive and significant correlation was found between the number of galls and per cent reduction in plant growth parameters. From the results, it can be recommended that the use of resistant cultivars is an environment-friendly approach that can be used to manage the nematode density below the economic threshold level.