Screening of field pea (Pisum sativum) selections for their reactions to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

Pot studies were carried out to evaluate the reactions of 23 selections of field pea (Pisum sativum) against Meloidogyne incognita (2000 freshly hatched juveniles (J2)/pot). Experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions ((24.7±3) °C and (62±7)% RH) and terminated 45 d after inoculation. The roots of all the selections were assessed to determine root-knot indices (RKI) on a 0~4 scale. Out of 23 selections HFP-990713, Pant P-25, and HFP-0129 were resistant; Pant P-2005, NDP-2 and Pant P-42 were tolerant; LFP-305, HFP-8909, HFP-4, HUP-31, HFP-0128, Pant P-31, Pant P-40, LFP-363, and HFP-0118 were moderately resistant; HFP-0110, HUDP-28, HUDP-15, HUDP-27, HUP-30, HUP-2 and HUDP-26 were moderately susceptible; and only Ambika was susceptible to M. incognita. It was observed that reproduction of nematode was favored on tolerant and susceptible cultivars but inhibited on resistant ones. Strong negative correlation was observed between the total fresh and dry plant weights and the root-knot index. The selection Pant P-42 showed highest tolerance among all the selections tested and can be recommended for field trials, whereas, selection Ambika showed highest susceptibility and should be avoided.