Reproductivity of Meloidogyne incognita on Fifteen Cucumber Cultivars

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes are mainly controlled by chemicals and their use is often coupled with health hazards. The deleterious effects of pesticides can be averted by using non-chemical approaches, and resistant cultivars can prove a promising substitute. For their fitness as nematode-suppressive crops, the reproductive and developmental rates of the nematode must be assessed on these cultivars. As there is meager information on the reproductive potential of Meloidogyne incognita on different cucumber cultivars commonly cultivated in Pakistan, therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the reproductivity of M. incognita on fifteen cucumber cultivars with varying levels of resistance and susceptibility. Significant differences were found among all the cucumber cultivars regarding formation of galls, egg masses, fecundity and reproductive factor. Maximum galls and egg masses were observed on highly susceptible cultivars followed by susceptible ones. On the other hand, minimum egg masses and galls were recorded on resistant and moderately resistant cultivars. The fecundity and reproductive factor of the nematode was found to be the minimum on resistant cultivar followed by moderately resistant ones. Contrarily, the highest fecundity and reproductive factor was observed on highly susceptible cultivars followed by susceptible ones. As the reproductive potential of M. incognita was found to be lowered on resistant (Long Green) and moderately resistant (Marketmore, Dynasty, Pioneer-II and Summer Green) cultivars and hence are recommended for cultivation in fields infested with M. incognita.