Evaluation of Some Stone Fruit Rootstocks Against Resistance to Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

Abstract

Root nematodes have a very broad host range, causing economic losses in many plant species. The clonal rootstocks used in the grafted-stone fruit seedling production were tested for resistance to root nematodes. The seedlings were transplanted into plastic pots with 5 replications. Soil structure used in pots was 80% sand, 5% clay and 15% top soil, and disinfected by autoclaving prior to testing. The study was conducted under 25 ± 1 °C temperature and 60 ± 10% relative humidity conditions. Nematod inoculation was carried out when the rootstocks reached about
15-25 cm in length. Approximately 1500 second-stage larvae per plant were placed at 2cm soil depth near the root region. Three months after nematod inoculation, root galling index of rootstocks were determined. The results of galling index in the roots was determined as resistant (0-2) or susceptible (3-5 scale) plants. In this study, Patrones Arda, Garnem, Cadaman, Patrones Toro, Mariana GF 8-1, Myrobalan 29-C
rootstocks were identified to be resistant to M. incognita while Myrobalan B and GF677 rootstocks were detected as sensitive. Patrones Arda and Patrones Toro rootstocks, developed by Betafidan, were resistant to M. incognita the first time in the present study.