Author: M.M.A. Youssef and W.M.A. El-Nagdi
Publishing Date: 2015
E-ISSN: 0255-7576
Volume 33 Issue 2
ABSTRACT:
Ten sugar beet Beta vulgaris L., varieties were tested for their susceptibility/resistance against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita under screen house conditions. All the tested varieties varied in their degree of susceptibility/resistance according to nematode damage index. Host vigor calculated as an average of percentages root weight potential and the tested technological characteristics (total soluble solids %) were used as a new scale to assess host reaction. The combination between the degree of susceptibility/resistance and host vigor of each variety gave a better evaluation and clear relationship between nematode infection and sugar beet variety yield quality and quantity. On this basis, sugar beet varieties were categorized into one variety as highly susceptible (BTS303), four varieties as susceptible (BTS 237, Gazelle, Meridi and SN627), one variety as highly resistant (Panther), three varieties as resistant (BTS301, BTS302 and SN626) and one variety as tolerant (Tenor). It is concluded that the tested sugar beet varieties differed in their susceptibility/resistance to root-knot nematode M. incognita depending on their damage index in combination with their plant vigor. The highly resistant or resistant sugar beet varieties determined in this study could be recommended for breeding programme and could be introduced in integrated pest management program of root-knot nematode.
Keywords: Sugar beet varieties, Meloidogyne incognita, damage index, host vigor.