Approach to New peach rootstocks resistant to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) selected from local Mit-Ghamer peach cultivar

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate seedlings of eight peach genotypes selected from local Mit-Ghamer peach cultivar for its resistance to root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita or M. javanica infestation compared to Cadaman and Garnem rootstocks(highly resistant), to obtain new peach rootstocks that resist to root-knot nematodes, suit soil, climate conditions and suitable for propagating peaches on them in Egypt. According to the rating scale based on damage index (DI) of nematode, results showed that "Hegazy" genotype was susceptible (100 % infected seedlings) to M. incognita or M. javanica, and recorded a high numbers of galls (250 and 225 galls/root system) and a high values of damage index (6.60 and 7.50 DI) for both nematode species compared with other genotypes. On the contrary, Early Sultani and Fark genotypes were highly resistant to Meloidogyne javanica with value 1.00 DI, which wasn't significantly differed from Cadaman and Garnem rootstocks (highly resistant), but were moderately resistant to M. incognita. Also, Late Sultani, Mawy, and Neely genotypes were resistant to M. incognita with values 2.90, 3.50, and 3.10 DI, respectively, but were moderately resistant to M. javanica. Medium Sultani and Shamy were resistant to M. javanica with value 3.40 DI but were moderately resistant to M. incognita.Results of the present study provide evidence that the tested resistant peach genotypes could be used as suitable rootstocks against root-knot nematodes (M. incognita and M. javanica) in Egypt in state of imported peach rootstocks.