Effects of the Bi Locus in Cucumber on Reproduction, Attraction, and Response of the Plant to Infection by the Southern Root-knot Nematode1

Abstract

Abstract The southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid and White (Chitwood), damaged bitter (Bi-) and non-bitter (bibi) plants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cvs. Tablegreen 65 and Marketmore 70) to the same extent in greenhouse tests as shown by their root-knot index and general plant vigor. However, a significantly greater number of root-knot nematode larvae developed in the non-bitter root tissue and nematodes were significantly more attracted to non-bitter than to bitter excised root pieces on both water agar and in sand. Purified extract discs from bitter cucumber in 2% water agar repelled root-knot nematodes.