Evaluation of Tomato Cultivars Against Root-knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) In Screen House

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp are important pathogen affecting vegetable production including tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum); which is popular vegetable crop grown in Nepal. A study was conducted in the screen house under pot conditions to evaluate the response of fourteen tomato cultivars (Nildhari, Yashwant, Hybrid 1506, Yumi, Lehar, Avinash, CLN 2545 B, CLN 2026 D, HRD-2, HRD-7, C-315, Nayak - B- SS-422, Pusa Ruby and T-597-5) against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. All together 70 pots with five replications inoculated with 4 eggs per gram of soil were placed in RCBD. Nematodes were extracted from the whole root and 100g soil sub sample after 36 days of inoculation. Analysis of the data showed that the cultivars Nildhari, Yashwant, Hybrid 1506, Yumi, CLN 2545 B, CLN 2026 D, HRD- 2 were highly susceptible compare to Avinash, HRD - 7 followed by Lehar, Pusa Ruby while C-315, Nayak - B-SS-422 were moderately resistant. Cultivar T - 597-5 was found resistant to Meloidogyne spp.