Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) contribute to low productivity and post harvest losses of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata). This study evaluated yam cultivars for resistance to Meloidogyne spp. using plants generated from single node vine cuttings. Forty accessions of D. rotundata were selected for the study and laid out in a randomized complete block design with 10 plants per replicate, three replicates and two treatments (Meloidogyne-inoculated and uninoculated). Vines were planted in vertically hanging bags and inoculated four weeks after with 500 eggs of Meloidogyne spp. Plants were harvested sixteen weeks after inoculation and data were collected on weight of tubers, nematode populations in tubers and soil, and nematode damage to tubers. Vine survival was up to 60%, although inoculated vines had lower rates of survival. All the surviving vines produced tubers of various sizes which differed between the control inoculated tubers. Based on galling index (damage) and reproductive factor, five accessions were designated as resistant with the remaining accessions being susceptible. The use of vine-cuttings was found to be effective for screening yam varieties for resistance to Meloidogyne spp.
Highlights
The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are sedentary endo-parasites and are among the most damaging agricultural pests attacking a wide range of crops (Sahebani & Hadavi, 2008; Hashem & Abo-Elyousr, 2011)
The purpose of this study was to use plants generated through single-node vine cuttings to identify accessions of Dioscorea rotundata with resistance to Meloidogyne spp
Meloidogyne spp.was obtained from a field population maintained with Celosia argentea (L.) cultivated in inoculum plots of the Nematology laboratory in Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Summary
The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are sedentary endo-parasites and are among the most damaging agricultural pests attacking a wide range of crops (Sahebani & Hadavi, 2008; Hashem & Abo-Elyousr, 2011). Vegetables, roots and tubers are two of the main affected group of crops on which they cause yield losses mainly in tropical and sub-tropical agriculture (Kiewnick & Sikora, 2006; Nyczepir & Thomas, 2009). Damage by pests and diseases, especially plant parasitic nematodes and virus diseases are among the major contributors to losses and reduced yield (Odu et al, 2004; Egesei, Onyeka, & Asiedu, 2007). Root-knot infection is one of the main diseases contributing to low yield and postharvest losses of this important crop in Africa (Nwauzor & Fawole, 1981; Adegbite & Agbaje, 2007). The underground tubers get infected in the field and the nematode continues to multiply in the periderm and cortex of tubers during storage resulting in tuber deterioration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
