Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) represent agricultural pest of many economic crops, including tomatoes and potatoes. They advance a complex parasitic relationship with roots of tomato plants leading to modification of host structural and physiological functions in addition to significant yield loss. Resistance in solanaceous plants to RKNs has been identified and associated with the possession of Mi gene. The reaction of four Solanum rootstocks (S. aethiopicum L., S. macrocarpon L., S. lycopersicum L.“Mongal F1,” and S. lycopersicum L. “Samrudhi F1”) was evaluated in pots and in a natural Meloidogyne spp.-infested field in a two-year trial (2015–2016), to identify RKN-resistant rootstock(s), which can be utilized in tomato grafting as a management measure against these nematodes. A rootstock’s reaction to RKNs was assessed using root gall scores (GSs), egg count/g of root, and reproductive factors (Rfs) at the end of 6 and 12 weeks after transplanting (wat) in infested fields, respectively. Solanum macrocarpon, S. aethiopicum, and Mongal F1 showed tolerant responses with reduced root galling and low to high reproductive factors in pot and field experimentation. Although Samrudhi F1 was resistant in both pot and field trials and consistently decreased nematode root galling (<1.00) and reproduction (Rf < 1.00), it failed to significantly increase yield, as compared with the highest yield obtained by the tolerant rootstock, Mongal F1 (870.3 and 1236.6 g/plant, respectively). Evaluation of the four rootstocks against four (0, 500, 1,000, and 5000) RKN inocula levels (Juveniles) showed no significant differences among the growth parameters (fresh and dry shoot and root weights). Root-knot nematode-susceptible tomato varieties, for example, Pectomech F1, a popular tomato variety in Ghana, can be grafted onto the RKN-resistant and RKN-tolerant rootstocks for increased yields.
Highlights
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual crop of the Solanaceae family, and the second most widely consumed vegetable after potatoes [1]
Experimental Design (Pot Trials). e layout for the pot experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial experiment, with a control arranged in a split plot design with three replicates, each experimental plot consisting of 30 plants
Eggs obtained were counted under the compound microscope (Exacta–OptechBiostar B5P, Germany) and recorded. e mean gall scores (GSs), egg count per gram of root, and reproductive factors (Rfs) obtained from the two field trials were used as the basis to evaluate the resistance status of the rootstocks
Summary
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual crop of the Solanaceae family, and the second most widely consumed vegetable after potatoes [1]. Grafting utilizing resistant rootstocks has proven to effectively manage RKNs and improve yield in tomato and eggplant cultivated in naturally infested nematode soils [25]. The use of resistant rootstocks in tomato cultivation remains less explored, due to the unknown response of this Solanum spp. to RKNs. Grafting of tomato scions with superior traits onto RKN-resistant rootstocks will help manage this biotic stress in a healthy and environmentally friendly manner [30], reduce production cost, and improve yields [31]. E use of resistant Solanum plants in grafting experiments in Ghana is in its infancy; there is a need to identify sources of resistance in the available Solanum rootstocks for managing the RKN problem in tomato fields. Is study was initiated to screen and identify potential rootstock(s) among four selected Solanum plants for resistance to M. incognita
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