Efficacy of Resistance to Root-knot Nematode in Snap Beans1

Abstract

Abstract Four snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding lines, resistant PI 165426, and 2 susceptible commercial cultivars were tested for resistance to root galling and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood) reproduction under greenhouse and field conditions. Root gall indices, reproduction indices, and numbers of eggs/g of root were significantly less on resistant lines than on ‘White Seeded Provider’ in 2 greenhouse tests. In field tests, soil treatment with the nematicide DBCP resulted in significant control. In nontreated plots, resistant bean lines had less root galls than ‘Early Gallatin’. Plots planted with resistant lines had fewer M. incognita larvae than those with ‘Early Gallatin’. Mean yield of pods from resistant lines in nontreated soil was about 3 times the yield of ‘Early Gallatin’. Yield of pods from treated and nontreated subplots were not significantly different. These results indicate that resistance is equivalent to soil fumigation for root-knot nematode control in snap beans.