INFECTION AND REPRODUCTION OF MELOIDOGYNE ENTEROLOBII AND M. JAVANICA ON Mi-TOMATOES UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS IN FLORIDA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63965/NGMU3616Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) are major yield-limiting pests in tomato production. Mi-tomato cultivars resist common RKN species, including Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. arenaria, making them valuable tools in integrated nematode management. However, increasing reports of guava RKN, M. enterolobii, in Florida and worldwide, including tomato fields, raise concern, as the Mi‑genes reportedly do not protect against this species. This study evaluated infection and reproduction of M. enterolobii and M. javanica from Florida on Mi-tomato cultivars (‘Sanibel’, ‘Southern Ripe’, ‘Skyway 687’, and ‘Mariana’) and one non-Mi cultivar (‘HM1823’) under greenhouse conditions in fall 2024 and spring 2025. Parameters assessed included gall numbers and nematode penetration at 14 days post inoculation (DPI) and gall rating, egg production, and reproduction factor and plant growth at 56 DPI. Except for ‘Sanibel’, all Mi-cultivars provided good protection against M. javanica with lower root gall damage and nematode reproduction. All Mi cultivars allowed high reproduction of M. enterolobii and were severely damaged by M. enterolobii, similar to the non-Mi cultivar. On the susceptible cultivar, M. enterolobii was also more damaging than M. javanica producing higher gall numbers, greater penetration rates, and more severe galling, higher egg numbers and reproduction factors, and smaller plants. These findings highlight the urgency of diversifying resistance sources and enhancing integrated management approaches to mitigate the threat of M. enterolobii in Florida tomato production.
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