HOST STATUS OF BANANA FOR FOUR MAJOR SPECIES AND HOST RACES OF MELOIDOGYNE

Abstract

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to determine the host suitability of eight root-knot nematodes viz. Meloidogyne incognita races 1, 2, 3, and 4, M. arenaria races 1 and 2, M. javanica and M. hapla on banana. Except for M. hapla all root-knot nematodes tested reproduced readily on banana and induced extensive root galling. Banana was found to be a poor host for M. hapla which had the lowest gall index of 0.8 and a very low reproduction factor ( 3). Root necrosis was significantly high with M. arenaria race 2 and M. incognita race 2. Significant restriction in plant growth as reflected in pseudostem diameter, shoot weight and root weight was observed in the nematode-inoculated plants, as compared to non-inoculated control.