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Title: UTILITY OF RESISTANT BELL PEPPER FOR MANAGING SOUTHERN ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES IN SOUTHEASTERN U. S.

Author
item Thies, Judy
item Fery, Richard
item DICKSON, DON - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item Davis, Richard
item MUELLER, JOHN - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: International Pepper Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2004
Publication Date: 11/14/2004
Citation: Thies, J.A., Fery, R.L., Dickson, D.W., Davis, R.F., Mueller, J.D. 2004. Utility of resistant bell pepper for managing southern root-knot nematodes in southeastern U.S. In: International Pepper Conference Proceedings, November 14-16, 2004, Naples, FL. pg 29.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Southern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) significantly reduce production of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in the U.S. and worldwide. Pre-plant soil fumigation with methyl bromide is currently used to control root-knot nematodes in peppers. However, methyl bromide use is being restricted due to its negative effects on atmospheric ozone. We studied the utility of resistant cultivars for managing root-knot nematodes in bell peppers in the Southeastern U.S. Resistance of two bell pepper cultivars, Charleston Belle and Keystone Resistant Giant, which are near-isogenic for the N gene that conditions resistance to M. incognita was evaluated in field tests in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Charleston Belle (NN) was highly resistant; root galling was minimal at all test sites. Keystone Resistant Giant (nn) was highly susceptible; root galling was severe in all tests. Reproduction of M. incognita was 64% to 99% less on 'Charleston Belle' than 'Keystone Resistant Giant'. 'Charleston Belle' produced 35% and 50% heavier fruit yields than 'Keystone Resistant Giant' in Blackville, SC, and Gainesville, FL, respectively. These results demonstrate that resistance conferred by the N gene for root-knot nematode resistance is effective in bell pepper in the Southeastern U.S. Resistant bell pepper cultivars should provide a viable alternative to methyl bromide for managing southern root-knot nematode in bell pepper in sub-tropical environments.