Screening of different banana genotypes against burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted for screening of seventeen different banana genotypes viz., NRCB – 10, Budu bale, Rajapuri, Grand Naine, Cultivar Rose, Bargibale, Mitli, Sakkare bale, Kadali, Ney Poovan, Pisang Lilin, Poovan, BCB – 2, BCB – 1, Budu Mitka, Karpoorabale and Kothia against burrowing nematode, R. similis. Among the seventeen genotypes screened, Cultivar Rose and Pisang Lilin were found to be moderately resistant and Ney Poovan was found to be resistant. Ney Poovan recorded the maximum height (45.48 cm), pseudostem girth (cm), number of leaves (8.44), root length (18.57 cm) and root weight (58.54 g), besides minimum nematode population in roots (152.00) as well as soil (103.00) and the minimum root lesion index (1.00). Three varieties Grand Naine, Rajapuri and Poovan were recorded highly susceptible. The other remaining genotypes were found susceptible. Grand Naine was found to be the most susceptible cultivar as it recorded maximum nematode population (246.00 in root and 150.00 soil) and root lesion index (3.75).