RESPONSES OF SOME SORGHUM CULTIVARS TO THE ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE MEL.OIDOGYNE INCOGNITA IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Reactions of some short duration, dwarf sorghum cultivars and an llorin local cultivar to infestation by the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita were studied. The Ilorin local cultivar showed some resistance but all other cultivars exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to the nematode. Root galling was multiple and severe in cvs. SSV9 and KSV12 and moderate in SSVI0, KSVII and KSV15. Growth, vigour and grain yield were depressed, while days to tillering and 50% flowering were increased with increasing nematode inoculum levels in three dwarf cultivars. Root gall indices increased with increasing inoculum level.