Abstract:
Investigations were carried out in 59 banana genotypes (Musa spp.) comprising of
10 diploids and 49 triploids belonging to Eumusa section, comprising of wild and
cultivated banana accessions against burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) and
root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus coffeae) under greenhouse condition. Healthy
suckers were planted in cement pots and two experiments were conducted for
diploid and triploid accessions in a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD)
with five replications. controls and varieties (Yangambi Km5, Pisang Lilin and
Nendran) with known reaction to burrowing and lesion nematodes were included
as reference clones. Banana accessions in pots were inoculated with infective
juveniles of root-lesion nematode or burrowing nematode, 45 days after planting
1,000 nematodes and 400 nematodes/pot, respectively. Ninety days after
inoculation, Data were recorded and subjected to statistical scrutiny by analysis of
variance (ANOVA) using the AgRes statistical software (1994, Pascal International
Software Solutions). Root necrosis percentage varied from 10-85%. Lowest root
necrosis (10%) was observed in M. balbisiana, Karthobiumtham and Athiakol.
P.coffeae root nematode population was lowest in Bhimkol (54), Kanai Bansi (58)
and Karthobiumtham (65). Root studies indicated higher number of roots, root
resistant and tolerant accessions even after nematode inoculation. Experiments
revealed that triploids Ankur-II (ABB), Kachkel (ABB) and Karthobiumtham (ABB)
and diploids M. balbisiana (BB), Bhimkol (BB), Athiakol (BB), Aittakola (BB),
Kechulepa (BB) and Kanai Bansi (AA) were resistant to P. coffeae. Least number of
R. similis infected roots was recorded in Kanai Bansi (2.4%) while maximum was
observed in Manguthamng (11%). Lowest root nematode population was recorded
in Bhimkol (33), Kanai Bansi (40) and Kothia (70). Root necrosis percentage varies
from 10-85%. The least RNI (10%) was recorded in M. balbisiana, Elakkiebale and
high in Jahaji (85%) and Barjahaji (80%). Diploid accessions, Kanai Bansi (AA),
Elakkiebale (AB), M. balbisiana (BB), Bhimkol (BB), Athiakol(BB) and Aittakola (BB)
and Triploids Kothia (ABB) and Ankur II (ABB) were resistant to R. similis.
