Abstract
Root-knot nematode (RKN) is an important group of plant pathogens with wide distribution among tropical and temperate areas with extensive host range among cultivated and wild plants. Tropical RKN species M. incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria are distributed in temperate areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This study focused on virulence of RKN fauna on tomato crop from highlands Poonch division and their virulence study on 7 leading tomato cultivars with objective of resistance identification among accepted cultivars grown in the region. Tomato was found cultivated on 68% of surveyed sites, while 78.5% fields were found infested with RKN. Galling index was higher than 5.9 on 34 locations, among them 21 farms were located above 4500-6800ft from sea level which was not usual. RKN found infesting as single species, ore in combinations of three. Highest virulent strain combinations of RKN was used to check the performance of leading tomato cultivars in greenhouse. Screening results showed Sahel, Adventa and Roma as resistance genotypes against RKN while Hero and yellow pear were found moderately resistant, while Black cherry moderately susceptible and Money maker highly susceptible even in temperate conditions. Sahel and Hero were found with least infested with 30% and 38% disease incidence. The study will help in reducing RKN threat on low temperature highland areas by cultivating of resistant genotypes reducing RKN reproduction by providing as opportunity for sustainable yield
Published Version
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