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Title: Host status of selected peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis

Author
item Nyczepir, Andrew
item BRITO, J - UNIV OF FLORIDA
item DICKSON, D - UNIV OF FLORIDA
item Beckman, Thomas

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/16/2008
Publication Date: 3/1/2008
Citation: Nyczepir, A.P., Brito, J.A., Dickson, D.W., Beckman, T.G. 2008. Host status of selected peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis. HortScience. 43(3):804-806.

Interpretive Summary: Root knot nematodes are important pests of peach in the United States and other parts of the world if not controlled. Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica are the predominant species on peach in the Southeast. In 2001, M. mayaguensis was detected in North America for the first time from samples collected from orna¬mental nurseries in south Florida, and is now known to be widespread in Central and South Florida. Concern with M. mayaguensis has arisen because of the increased interest to grow peaches in Florida within the last 2-3 years. Evaluating different peach rootstocks for resistance to M. mayaguensis is important in determining the potential economic impact this nematode may have on the evolving peach industry in South and Central Florida. Greenhouse studies were initiated to examine the susceptibility of different peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis. Current studies indicate that five rootstocks were rated as poor hosts of M. mayaguensis, and Flordaguard being immune; meaning that this rootstock did not allow the nematode to complete its life cycle. These data provide useful insights into the potential utilization of Nemaguard and Flordaguard peach rootstocks when establishing peach orchards on sites infested with M. mayaguensis in Florida.

Technical Abstract: Flordaguard, Guardian, Halford, Lovell, Nemaguard, and Okinawa peach rootstocks were evaluated for their susceptibility to Meloidogyne mayaguensis in the greenhouse. All rootstocks were rated as poor hosts of M. mayaguensis. Lovell generally supported greater numbers of M. mayaguensis eggs per plant and eggs per gram of root, whereas Flordaguard was immune and did not allow the nematode to reproduce. Root galling occurred on all rootstocks. Reproduction as measured by number of egg masses and eggs per plant, and eggs per gram of root were a better measure of host resistance than number of root galls per plant.