Root‐knot nematode(MeloidogyneSPP.) infection on banana (MusaSPP.)in vitro

Abstract

The potential of an in vitro technique to study root‐knot nematode infection on banana roots was investigated. Regenerated banana plants were placed horizontally on Gamborg B5 (GB5)‐medium and incubated under a light‐dark regime of 16h‐8h. Temperature fluctuated between 24 and 33 °C. Banana roots were inoculated with Meloidogyne incognita race 1 coming from roots of a transgenic tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Moneymaker) grown on GB5‐medium at 28 °C in complete darkness. Root‐knots appeared on primary and secondary banana roots two to seven days after nematode inoculation. After 28 days, egg masses protruded through the cortex and two days later juveniles hatched and reinfected banana roots. This method holds promise for dynamic studies of banana root infection with root‐knot nematodes.