Pathogenic Potential of Javanese Root-knot Nematode on Susceptible and Resistant Okra Cultivars
Pathogenic Potential of Javanese Root-knot Nematode on Susceptible and Resistant Okra Cultivars
Tariq Mukhtar1,* and Muhammad Arshad Hussain2
ABSTRACT
The Javanese root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica)is becoming a serious threat to okra production in Pakistan. The damaging potential of this nematode has not been studied on resistant and susceptible okra cultivars, therefore, in the present study, the effects of six inoculum levels of M. javanica were compared on a highly susceptible cultivar of okra ‘Sharmeeli’ and a moderately resistant one ‘Sanam’. All the inoculum levels of M. javanica resulted in significant reductions in growth variables and increases in nematode infestations of both the cultivars over their controls. With an increase in inoculum level, the magnitudes of reductions in shoot weight, root and shoot lengths and increase in root weight also increased and were found to be positively correlated with the inoculum levels. Likewise, the numbers of galls and egg masses also showed positive correlations with the inoculum levels. Contrarily, a gradual decline in reproductive factors was observed with an increase in the inoculum level and therefore, appeared to be negatively correlated with the latter. It was also observed that the reductions in moderately resistant cultivar were significantly lower as compared to the highly susceptible at all inoculum levels. It is concluded that the plants of moderately resistant cultivar Sanam suffered less damage and suppressed nematode infections at all inoculum levels and therefore, recommended for cultivation in root-knot nematode infested fields to abate yield losses and repress the nematode from further multiplication.
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October 2019
Vol. 51, Iss. 5, Pages 1599-1997
