Resistance of dry bean and snap bean cultivars to root-knot nematodes

Abstract

This study assessed the reaction of dry bean and snap bean cultivars to infection by Meloidogyne incognita (races 1, 3) and by Meloidogyne javanica, two species of root-knot nematodes. Three independent experiments were done, one for each species or race of Meloidogyne, using randomized complete block designs with four replications (plots) and four plants per plot. A plot with the susceptible tomato cultivar Santa Clara was used in each block to determine the efficiency of the inoculum and to calculate the reproduction rate for each of the genotypes assessed. The bean cultivars Aporé and Talismã were highly resistant to Meloidogyne javanica, slightly resistant to Meloidogyne incognita race 1, and moderately resistant and slightly resistant, respectively, to Meloidogyne incognita race 3. The snap bean cultivars Macarrão Atibaia and Macarrão Preferido were slightly resistant to Meloidogyne javanica and moderately resistant and susceptible, respectively, to Meloidogyne incognita race 1. The reactions of the latter cultivars against Meloidogyne incognita race 3 were very resistant and slightly resistant, respectively. The results of these experiments showed that the dry bean cultivars Aporé and Ouro Negro and the snap bean cultivar Macarrão Atibaia have potential to be used in breeding programs for a broader spectrum of root-knot nematode resistances.