ARS | Publication request: CHARACTERIZATION OF RESISTANCE OF CAROLINA CAYENNE PEPPER TO SOUTHERN ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA)

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 8, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Carolina Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) was released by the USDA and Clemson University in 1985. The major attribute of this cultivar is its exceptionally high resistance to the southern root-knot nematode. Methyl bromide is currently used to control this pest in pepper, but the pending withdrawal of this fumigant from the U.S. market has resulted in a need for ran alternative control measure. We evaluated the efficacy of Carolina Cayenne's resistance in greenhouse, microplot, and field studies. In all tests, Carolina Cayenne plants exhibited exceptional resistance, i.e., minimal nematode reproduction, minimal galling, and no yield reduction. In a test conducted in an infested field, for example, Carolina Cayenne outyielded a root-knot nematode susceptible isoline by 339%. We conclude that the resistance exhibited by Carolina Cayenne is a suitable alternative to methyl bromide for controlling root-knot nematodes in pepper.