Research Papers: Response of Four Grape Varieties to the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)

Abstract

The root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp) is widespread in the grape growing zones of the world. In Venezuela, this nematode has been reported associated with agricultural crops of economic importance including grape. To study the combined effect of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica on grape varieties 'Cardinal', 'Criolla Negra', 'Tucupita' and 'Villa Nueva', an experiment was conducted in the greenhouse. Six plants of each variety were inoculated with 20 cm of a suspension of tomato roots infested with both species. The degree of susceptibility of the plants was evaluated according to the following characteristics: fresh and dry weight of the roots; height of the plants; and root gall index. Results indicated that the variety 'Criolla Negra' is resistant to the penetration of the nematodes, maintaining its characteristics. For 'Villa Nueva', the combination of both species did not significantly affect development or the characteristics of the plants, even when there was penetrati