Root-knot Nematode Species Research Articles

Rapid detection of pecan root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne partityla, in laboratory and field conditions using loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Meloidogyne partityla is the dominant root-knot nematode (RKN) species parasitizing pecan in Georgia. This species is known to cause a reduction in root growth and a decline in the yields of mature pecan trees. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of this RKN is required to control this nematode disease and reduce losses in pecan production. In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed for simple, rapid, and on-site detection of M. partityla in infested plant roots and validated to detect the nematode in laboratory and field conditions. Specific primers were designed based on the sequence distinction of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-18S/5.8S ribosomal RNA gene between M. partityla and other Meloidogyne spp. The LAMP detection technique could detect the presence of M. partityla genomic DNA at a concentration as low as 1 pg, and no cross reactivity was found with DNA from other major RKN species such as M. javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria, and M. hapla. We also conducted a traditional morphology-based diagnostic assay and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to determine which of these techniques was less time consuming, more sensitive, and convenient to use in the field. The LAMP assay provided more rapid results, amplifying the target nematode species in less than 60 min at 70°C, with results 100 times more sensitive than conventional PCR (~2–3 hrs). Morphology-based, traditional diagnosis was highly time-consuming (2 days) and more laborious than conventional PCR and LAMP assays. These features greatly simplified the operating procedure and made the assay a powerful tool for rapid, on-site detection of pecan RKN, M. partityla. The developed LAMP assay will facilitate accurate pecan nematode diagnosis in the field and contribute to the management of the pathogen.

Beet-root (Beta vulgaris) found infection with root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Tripura, India

This is the first report of root-knot nematode on beet- roots, that caused by Meloidogyne incognita in Agartala, Tripura. Root-knot nematode species identified as Meloidogyne incognita for further appropriate management approach to initiate in future.

Comparison of the penetration, development and reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica and M. graminicola on partially resistant Oryza sativa cultivars from East Africa

Summary The host response to Meloidogyne javanica infection of selected Oryza sativa and NERICA (New Rice for Africa) genotypes that are commonly grown in Tanzania and East Africa was examined. The O. sativa genotypes ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ appeared to be partially resistant. A further experiment showed that both genotypes are also partially resistant to M. graminicola infection. The host response of ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ to M. javanica and M. graminicola was further examined and compared in indoor growth chamber conditions. The genotypes ‘TOG5674’, ‘TOG5675’, ‘CG11’ and ‘CG14’ (both O. glaberrima) were included as the resistant reference genotypes for M. graminicola and the genotype ‘UPLRi-5’ (O. sativa) was included as the susceptible reference genotype for both species of root-knot nematodes. Meloidogyne graminicola was more aggressive on ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ than M. javanica. Significantly less root galling was observed on ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ than on ‘UPLRi-5’. In ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ significantly fewer second-stage juveniles (J2) were able to penetrate the roots, to develop into adult females and to reproduce compared with ‘UPLRi-5’. Differential emigration of J2 from the roots of ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ compared with ‘UPLRi-5’ contributed to the observed partial resistance in these genotypes to M. graminicola and M. javanica. Nematodes that successfully penetrated and developed in ‘Komboka’ and ‘Supa’ showed aberrant phenotypes. ‘Supa’ and ‘Komboka’ may be recommended for use by farmers in M. javanica and M. graminicola-infested fields.

Integrative taxonomy of Meloidogyne paranaensis populations belonging to different esterase phenotypes

Summary Meloidogyne paranaensis is one of the most destructive root-knot nematode species affecting coffee cultivation. This species presents different esterase phenotypes (Est): P1, P2 and P2a, previous studies showing that Est P2 and P2a populations were more aggressive to susceptible coffee cultivars than populations with Est P1, and local producers have even asked if they may be described as other species. The objective of this study was to characterise M. paranaensis populations of different esterase phenotypes (Est P1, P2 and P2a), regarding morphological, morphometric and phylogenetic relationships in distinct regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase II (COII) and nuclear protein coding gene HSP90. All populations were identified by esterase phenotype and SCAR-specific markers. Regarding morphology/morphometrics, the three populations were very similar to the description of the species, differing only in the morphology of the male stylet and second-stage juvenile hyaline tail length. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, a low intraspecific variability was detected among M. paranaensis Est P1 and Est P2 populations from Brazil; the Guatemalan population Est P2a, however, showed a genetic differentiation from the Brazilian populations, confirming the geographic genetic distance of this aggressive population. According to this multi-source approach study, in spite of the intraspecific variation, the phylogenetic position of M. paranaensis is absolute, regardless of the enzymatic phenotype and SCAR markers.

Reaction of a heterozygous tomato hybrid bearing the Mi‐1.2 gene to 15 Meloidogyne species

AbstractMany root‐knot nematode (RKN) species (Meloidogyne spp.) are polyphagous and cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of their preferential hosts, leading to significant losses. It is known that the dominant Mi‐1.2 gene in tomato confers resistance to the three most important RKN species—M. incognita, M. javanica, and M. arenaria, and minor species—M. ethiopica, M. hispanica, and M. luci. However, little information is available about resistance of tomatoes carrying this gene to other tomato‐infecting RKN species. In this study, resistance conferred by the Mi‐1.2 gene/locus was evaluated against populations of 15 Meloidogyne species, employing tomato cultivars Santa Clara (homozygous recessive mi‐1.2/mi‐1.2, susceptible) and Debora Plus (heterozygous Mi‐1.2/mi‐1.2, resistant). Debora Plus was susceptible only to M. enterolobii and M. hapla, and was resistant to the other Brazilian populations of M. arenaria, M. ethiopica, M. exigua, M. hispanica, M. incognita, M. inornata, M. izalcoensis M. javanica, M. konaensis, M. luci, M. morocciensis, M. paranaensis, and M. petuniae. Mi‐1.2 is located on tomato chromosome 6 within a cluster of seven homologous genes of the nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) family; further research is required to confirm if this multiple Meloidogyne spp. resistance phenotype is controlled exclusively by Mi‐1.2 or by combined action of other closely linked genes. This evaluation of resistance of the Debora Plus cultivar to several Meloidogyne species suggests that the Mi‐1.2 gene/locus may reduce losses induced by a wide range of Meloidogyne spp. Further studies using additional resistant cultivars and other populations of Meloidogyne spp. are needed to confirm these results.

Integrated management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in Florida tomatoes combining host resistance and nematicides

Host resistance governed by the Mi gene is available in many commercial tomato cultivars, and is effective against the most common tropical root-knot nematode species (Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria). The resistance has some drawbacks like the lack of activity against other common root-knot nematode species like M. hapla and M. enterolobii, the widespread emergence of resistance-breaking races of M. incognita, and the reported heat sensitivity of the Mi gene. In Florida, many tomato fields often also harbour soilborne pathogens and weeds, such as nutsedge, together with root-knot nematodes. Therefore, most tomato fields in Florida are fumigated, and nematode-resistant tomato cultivars are rarely planted. Two field trials were conducted during fall 2017 and spring 2018 to evaluate the potential of Mi-tomato cultivars in Florida, with or without additional use of a soil fumigant and/or nematicide. Root-knot severity in both seasons was significantly reduced in cultivars having Mi (Sanibel, Skyway, and Tasti Lee + Mi), as compared to the cultivar without Mi (FL 47). Fumigation with chloropicrin at 225 kg/ha and nematicides (fluensulfone in fall and fluazaindolizine in spring) also significantly reduced nematode damage. This was mostly noted for the cv. FL 47, and mostly during the fall growing season, when early nematode pressure was higher. End-of-season root-knot nematode soil populations were significantly lower with Mi cultivars. Chloropicrin on the other hand tended to increase end-of-season root-knot soil populations. No breakdown of resistance due to high soil temperature (>30 °C) was observed. Soil fumigation significantly increased fruit yield, especially in fall (95% increase) and to a lesser extent in spring (14.5% increase), and mostly so for cv. FL 47 and cv. Sanibel. Overall, cv. Sanibel produced the highest fruit yields.

Comprehensive report on the prevalence of root‐knot nematodes in the Poonch division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

AbstractThe present study documents the root‐knot nematodes (RKN) fauna of the Poonch division in Azad Jammu and Kashmir infecting vegetables. An overall prevalence of 40% of RKN was recorded. Of the four districts investigated, maximum prevalence was recorded in district Poonch with 59%, followed by Sudhnuti with 58%. The lowest prevalence of RKN was found in districts Bagh (29%) and Haveli (33%). Out of 15 vegetables investigated, RKN was found on five crops. The highest prevalence of 37.8% was recorded on okra, followed by 31.3% on cucumber and 17.5% on tomato. RKN was less prevalent on eggplant (8.3%) and beans (7.7%). Three RKN species, that is Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne arenaria, were found infecting the hosts. M. javanica was found to be the most prevalent followed by M. incognita and M. arenaria. This trend was found in all the districts. Overall prevalence of M. javanica as sole population was 9% and that of M. incognita was 2%. Meloidogyne arenaria was not found in any of the fields as sole population. The prevalence of M. incognita with M. javanica or M. arenaria as mixed populations was 8% and 5%, respectively, and that of M. javanica with M. arenaria was 4%. Similarly, all the three species prevailed as mixed populations in 12% of the fields in the division. The severity of RKN infections, measured as galling index, was found to be variable within each infected field (GI 2–9). Identification of RKN species was based on the morphology of perineal patterns and confirmed by molecular SCAR and CO1 makers based identification. In conclusion, RKN were distributed in the Poonch division and M. javanica was predominant. Cucumber, okra, tomato and eggplant were severely attacked by these nematodes warranting the adoption of stringent control strategies for their management.

The Bacterial Microbiome of Meloidogyne-Based Disease Complex in Coffee and Tomato.

The Meloidogyne-based disease complexes (MDCs) are caused by the interaction of different root-knot nematode species and phytopathogenic fungi. These complexes are devastating several important crops worldwide including tomato and coffee. Despite their relevance, little is known about the role of the bacterial communities in the MDCs. In this study 16s rDNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the bacterial microbiome associated with healthy and infested roots, as well with females and eggs of Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. paranaensis, the causal agents of MDC in tomato and coffee, respectively. Each MDC pathosystems displayed a specific taxonomic diversity and relative abundances constituting a very complex system. The main bacterial drivers of the MDC infection process were identified for both crops at order level. While corky-root coffee samples presented an enrichment of Bacillales and Burkholderiales, the corcky-root tomato samples presented an enrichment on Saprospirales, Chthoniobacterales, Alteromonadales, and Xanthomonadales. At genus level, Nocardia was common to both systems, and it could be related to the development of tumor symptoms by altering both nematode and plant systems. Furthermore, we predicted the healthy metabolic profile of the roots microbiome and a shift that may result in an increment of activity of central metabolism and the presence of pathogenic genes in both crops.

Emerging problem of guava decline caused by Meloidogyne enterolobii and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. psidii

Guava orchards of district Ratlam were facing symptoms of sudden decline and loss in productivity due to heavy infestation of highly pathogenic species of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, not only by itself but also causing havoc through predisposing the host for secondary attack by wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporun f.sp. psidii causing disease-complex with synergistic effects on the common host guava (Cv VNR vihi). Wilted plants when uprooted showed numerous galls due to combined attack of both the vascular bundle feeders in stelar region of the host. Severely infested plant showed small leaves, leaf browning, leaf drop, growth inhibition whereas roots are distorted by small and large multiple galls leading to sudden death of tree.

Characterization of Resistance to Major Tropical Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in Solanum sisymbriifolium.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are important contributors to yield reduction in tomato. Though resistant cultivars to common species (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, and M. javanica) are available, they are not effective against other major species of root-knot nematodes. Cultivars or lines of Solanum sisymbriifolium were examined to assess the presence and level of resistance to five major species: M. arenaria race 1, M. incognita race 3, M. haplanaria, M. javanica, and M. enterolobii. Differences in S. sisymbriifolium response to the nematode infection were apparent when susceptibility or resistance was classified by the egg counts per gram fresh weight of root and the multiplication rate of the nematodes. The cultivar Diamond was highly susceptible, Quattro and White Star were susceptible, while Sis Syn II was resistant to M. arenaria. Quattro, White Star, and Sis Syn II exhibited a moderate to high level of resistance to M. incognita but the nematode increased 2.5-fold from the initial population of the M. incognita on Diamond. All S. sisymbriifolium cultivars were highly resistant to both M. haplanaria and M. enterolobii, while highly susceptible to M. javanica. A microplot study under field conditions using Sis Syn II confirmed that M. arenaria, M. incognita, and M. haplanaria were not pathogenic on the plant. Likewise, an examination on cross-sections of galled root tissues confirmed the susceptibility and resistance of S. sisymbriifolium lines to Meloidogyne spp. Using S. sisymbriifolium as a resistant rootstock or a new source of resistance may result in the development of nonchemical and sustainable management strategies to protect the tomato crop.

Reaction of Avena spp. to different concentration levels of Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita inoculum

The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance reaction of Avena spp. after inoculation of different concentrations of eggs and juveniles of M. javanica and M. incognita. Ten oat genotypes (Avena sativa: UPFPS Farroupilha, UPFA Ouro, IPR Afrodite, AF1345 Ucraniana; A. strigosa: Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio, Embrapa 139, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, UPFA 21 Moreninha, AF 12202) were evaluated in bioassays for resistance against the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. Susceptible (Solanum lycopersicum and Glycine max) and resistant (Crotalaria spectabilis) species were used as control treatments. Depending on the inoculum level, the oats showed a different response to nematodes. All genotypes of oats were resistant to M. javanica when a high inoculum level (5,000 eggs and J2 per plant) was used but under low inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2 per plant), AF 12202, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, Agro Esteio and Agro Quaraí were susceptible. All genotypes of oats were resistant to the inoculation of 2,900 eggs and J2 of M. incognita, except for ‘Iapar 61’ that showed susceptibility in this concentration. At lower inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2) Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio and Iapar 61 Ibiporã were susceptible. The reaction of oats to M. javanica and M. incognita depends on the inoculum level. The resistance reaction at low inoculum density of A. sativa ‘AF 1345 Ucraniana’ and ‘IPR Afrodite’ allows its use in breeding programs in oats and suggests the possibility of management tool in areas infested with both root-knot nematode species.

Additional notes on the morphology and molecular data of the Kikuyu root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne kikuyensis (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae).

Females, males, and second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne kikuyensis were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of M. kikuyensis was typical for species of the genus in general, but differed in several characters, appearing to be in a more primitive state. The head morphology of males and second-stage juveniles of most species of root-knot nematode is made up of a large labial disk surrounded by the fused pairs of the sub-dorsal and sub-ventral lips, but in M. kikuyensis, the labial disk is surrounded by six distinct lips. Second-stage juveniles appear to develop similarly to that of other members of the genus. The division of the egg seems to be quite different from typical species in that two small, highly refractive cells, are set-aside early in embryogenesis. Elucidation of the mitochondrial nucleotide sequence for the cytochrome oxidase subunit II and the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (COII-16S rRNA) and the ITS1 region implicated M. kikuyensis is in a basal position when compared to other species of the genus.

Yellow and purple nutsedge and coffee senna as hosts of common plant nematodes in Florida.

Yellow (Cyperus esculentus) and purple (C. rotundus) nutsedges, and coffee senna (Senna occidentalis) are common weeds in the southern USA and each have been reported as alternative hosts for plant-parasitic nematodes. Our objective was to determine the host suitability of these weeds to plant-parasitic nematodes common in Florida agriculture and turfgrass systems. The root-knot nematode (RKN) species tested included Meloidogyne arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. floridensis, M. graminis, M. hapla, M. incognita, and M. javanica. The host status of sting nematode, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, was also evaluated, but only on the nutsedge species. All RKN species evaluated reproduced on both nutsedge species and had a reproductive factor greater than one, except for M. graminis on yellow nutsedge. However, only M. hapla, M. javanica, and M. graminis induced visual galls on yellow nutsedge and only M. graminis caused galling on purple nutsedge. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. graminis reproduced at a greater rate on purple nutsedge than on yellow nutsedge. Both nutsedge species were good hosts to B. longicaudatus. Coffee senna was a host to M. enterolobii, a poor host to M. incognita, and nonhost to the other RKN species evaluated.

New resistance sources to root-knot nematode in Capsicum pepper

ABSTRACT Thirty seven pepper genotypes, Capsicum chinense, C. annuum and C. frutescens, were characterized for resistance to three root-knot nematode species (Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita race 1 and M. enterolobii) aiming to find potential resistance sources to be used in breeding programs. Three experiments were carried out, in 2013, 2014 and 2016, in a greenhouse, in randomized block design and six replicates, one plant/pot. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and average clustering. All evaluated pepper genotypes were resistant or immune to M. javanica. For M. incognita race 1, all accessions of C. frutescens, evaluated in the first experiment, were resistant, whereas the six accessions of C. chinense were susceptible. For M. incognita, all genotypes of C. chinense and C. annuum, evaluated in the second experiment, were resistant. In the third experiment, evaluating C. annuum genotypes, we verified that most were susceptible to M. incognita race 1; genotypes CNPH 30118 and CNPH 6144 were resistant, though. M. enterolobii, which is the most aggressive species, with few resistance sources described, showed a tendency of greater degree of resistance in C. chinense and C. frutescens. Although most of the evaluated genotypes were susceptible, significant differences were observed regarding the degree of susceptibility. The main contribution of this study was the identification of a genotype resistant to M. enterolobii, cultivar BRS Nandaia, which can be used in breeding programs.

Differences in parasitism of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on oilseed radish and oat.

Oilseed radish and oat are cool season annual crops that are potentially used as “trap” or “biofumigant” crops for the suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes in soil. Cultivars of oilseed radish (Carwoodi, Cardinal, Final, Image, Concorde, Control, Eco-Till, Karakter and Cannavaro), white (Tachiibuki) and black (Pratex) oats were evaluated for their ability to reduce reproduction of three root-knot nematode species: Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita race 3, and M. arenaria race 1. Nematode penetration and development were also evaluated using selected resistant and susceptible cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Root galling severity, number of eggs per gram of fresh root, and rate of reproduction varied among the cultivars in response to nematode infection. Oilseed radish cv. Carwoodi was resistant to M. javanica, whereas Karakter and Concorde were maintenance hosts allowing the nematode to maintain or increase its population on the plants. For M. incognita, Control and Carwoodi oilseed radish and Tachiibuki oat were resistant hosts. The cultivars that supported little reproduction of M. arenaria were Karakter and Carwoodi radish, and Tachiibuki oat. Comparable numbers of nematodes entered the roots of susceptible and resistant cultivars of oilseed radish and oat during early stages of infection. However, the development of the nematodes as evident from counting young and egg-laying females in roots were significantly decreased or inhibited in the resistant cultivars compared to the susceptible cultivars indicating that resistance occurs at post-infection stages. Histopathological examinations of galled-root tissues also revealed the susceptibility and resistance responses of selected cultivars of oilseed radish and oat to these nematode species.

Reproduction of Meloidogyne enterolobii on selected root-knot nematode resistant sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars.

The ability of Meloidogyne enterolobii to reproduce on selected sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars (Beauregard, Covington, Evangeline, Hernandez, and Orleans (LA 05-111)) was evaluated in two greenhouse experiments, each with 10 replicates. All cultivars, except Beauregard (control) and Orleans, were reported previously as moderately resistant or resistant to M. incognita, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas, and Streptomyces ipomoeae. Plants were inoculated with M. enterolobii (5,000 eggs/plant) and arranged in a completely randomized design in a greenhouse with an average daily temperature of 24.8°C. Galls and egg masses per root system (0-5 scale), eggs per egg mass, eggs per gram of fresh root (gfr), and reproduction factor (RF) were determined. Meloidogyne enterolobii infected and reproduced on all the sweetpotato cultivars. The nematode induced galls on both fibrous and storage roots, regardless of the cultivar, as well as induced necrosis and cracks on storage roots. The lesions and cracks on the storage roots were more visually pronounced on Hernandez than those on other cultivars. Cultivar Orleans sustained less root galling and egg masses than other cultivars (p ≤ 0.01), and both Orleans and Beauregard cultivars had less eggs per gfr and a lower RF than Covington (5,683 eggs/gfr; RF = 16.92), Evangeline (7,161 eggs/gfr; RF = 30.01), and Hernandez (6,979 eggs/gfr; RF = 22.6). The latter two cultivars sustained the largest amount of reproduction of M. enterolobii. The number of eggs per egg mass ranged from 462 to 503 and was similar among all cultivars. In summary, M. enterolobii reproduced well on all sweetpotato cultivars; however, differences were observed among cultivars (p ≤ 0.001). The host status as previously reported for other root-knot nematode species was not a good predictor of host status to M. enterolobii. Some sweetpotato cultivars that were reported as resistant or moderately resistant to M. incognita race 3, such as Evangeline and Hernandez, were among the best hosts to M. enterolobii. Root growth of Evangeline and Orleans, but not of the other cultivars, was negatively correlated with nematode eggs per gfr.

Genetic intraspecific diversity of Meloidogyne javanica parasitizing vegetables in southern Iran.

In order to investigate different species of root-knot nematodes associated with vegetable production in southern regions of Iran, 37 populations of the most predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were recovered. Morphological and morphometric studies were carried on the characters of females, males, J2s and perineal patterns. Species-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers confirmed morphological studies, and all these populations produced specific band in 670 bp using Fjav and Rjav primers. Genetic diversity of different populations was studied by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers implementing 10 primers for each approach. Results revealed a relatively low genetic diversity (the percentage of polymorphic bands were 19.08 and 24.60 for ISSR and RAPD, respectively). The analyses of molecular variance indicated that the variation resulted from genotypic variations within region and variances among regions are 81% and 19% for RAPD, and 86% and 14% for ISSR, respectively. On the other hand, FST and Nm values are 0.140 and 1.535 for ISSR while these values are 0.188 and 1.079 for RAPD. So it can be concluded that there is a great deal of gene flow between populations due to the movement of plant material contaminated with nematodes, which results in high mixing between populations. ISSR and RAPD datasets failed to group populations according to their geographic region. There were no pathotypes or other intraspecific biological entities observed in the species.

First report of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria, on lavender in Turkey.

Lavender is a medicinal and aromatic plant that is widely grown in Turkey. Gall symptoms were observed on roots of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) collected from Kırklareli and Edirne provinces. Egg masses were collected from galled roots. DNA isolated from all samples was screened by species-specific primers belonging to the most common species of root-knot nematodes and M. arenaria was the only species that was identified in all of the samples analyzed. This is the first report of M. arenaria infecting lavender in Turkey.

Tomato Mi-1.2 gene confers resistance to Meloidogyne luci and M. ethiopica

The root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne luci, recently added to the European Plant Protection Organization Alert List, represents a potential threat to the production of important solanaceous crops. RKN resistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is conferred by a single dominant gene. The objectives were to screen the RKN resistance Mi-1.2 gene in 27 tomato hybrids and cultivars and assess the ability of M. luci and M. ethiopica to reproduce on these accessions. Thirteen Mimi tomato genotypes, two MiMi and twelve lacking the Mi-1.2 gene (mimi) were identified. Tomato accessions Reconquista (MiMi) and Vimeiro F1, Paipai, Sahel, Agora F1, Amaral, Valoasis RZ F1 and SV1917 (Mimi) displayed a resistant reaction to both RKN species with a reproduction factor (Rf) ranging from 0.00 to 0.14. Significant differences in M. luci and M. ethiopica reproduction were detected among and within the Mi-1.2 allelic conditions, which may reflect a dosage effect of the gene as well as an influence of the plant’s genetic background, respectively. Results revealed that resistant tomato accessions carrying the resistant Mi gene have potential to be employed as an alternative to the use of nematicides aiming to control M. luci, and M. ethiopica and the most common RKN species.

Reprodução dos nemátodes das galhas radiculares, Meloidogyne ethiopica e Meloidogyne luci, em cultivares de feijoeiro

The productivity of common bean crop is limited by several biotic factors, being often affected by plant-parasitic nematodes. Several species of root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp. have been reported as damaging to the crop. Recently, Meloidogyne luci and M. ethiopica were recorded parasitizing roots of common bean plants in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the reproduction of M. ethiopica and M. luci on twenty bean cultivars. Plants were inoculated with 5,000 eggs plus second stage juveniles (J2) of RKN and pots were maintained in a greenhouse. Sixty days after inoculation, the roots of each plant were evaluated for number of galls, final population and reproduction factor (RF = final population / initial population) and the means of the different variables were compared by the Scott and Knott grouping test at 5%. Results showed that all tested cultivars were susceptible to both RKN, with RF ranging from 9,8 to 55,9 for M. ethiopica and from 6.0 to 20.0 for M. luci.