Genetics of resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in crosses of grape rootstocks

Progeny testing was used to investigate the value of selected grape varieties as parents in breeding nematode-resistant rootstocks. Six pistillate-flowered rootstocks (Ramsey, Dog Ridge, Harmony, Freedom, 1613C, and 161-49C) and four staminate-flowered rootstocks (Riparia Gloire, 3309C, 1616C, and St. George) were used. Each male was crossed to each female. Six weeks after inoculation with 1,500 second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita race 3, roots were stained in an aqueous solution of eosin-Y (0.25 gm/l for 1 h). Seedling resistance was measured by counting the number of stained nematode egg masses visible per root system. Nematode reproduction on each cross was calculated as the average number of egg masses on ten seedlings per replicate. The females Harmony and Freedom produced the greatest level of resistance in their seedlings across all male parents. Seedlings of Dog Ridge, Ramsey, and 1613C had intermediate levels of resistance, while seedlings of 161-49C were the least resistant. The male 1616C contributed the greatest resistance to its progeny, while seedlings from crosses with the males Riparia Gloire, 3309C, and St. George had lower levels of resistance. Segregation ratios of resistant and susceptible seedlings are consistent with a single dominant allele model for root-knot nematode resistance.