Research: Burrowing-Nematode Resistance of Black Sigatoka Resistant Banana Hybrids

Abstract

Resistance of black Sigatoka resistant hybrids FHIA-01, FHIA-02, FHIA-03, and FHIA-21 to the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, was assessed under greenhouse conditions. Resistance was evaluated by inoculating the hybrid plants with 200 monoxenically-reared nematodes/plant. Banana plants produced by tissue culture were grown in 0.4-L Styrofoam cups, containing a 1:1 mix of a coarse and a fine sand, at 27 C and 80% RH. Plants were allowed to acclimate and grow for 4 weeks prior to inoculation. Plant height, fresh shoot and root weights, nematode population levels, and root necrosis (0-100%) were determined 8 weeks after inoculation. Pisang Jan Buaya (accession III-106) and Grande Naine (Musa AAA, Cavendish subgroup) were used as resistant and susceptible controls, respectively. Final nematode population numbers and root-necrosis indices did not differ among FHIA-01, FHIA-03 and the susceptible control (Grande Naine). Although R. similis reproduced poorly in Pisang Jari Buaya, ex