Evaluation of Banana (Musa spp) germplasm against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita).

A pot culture experiment was conducted during 2004-05 to evaluate 72 banana (Musa sp.) varieties/cultivars for the tolerance/resistance against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. The results indicated diat none of the varieties/ cultivars was resistant to root-knot nematode (M.incognita). However the varieties 'Singhlal', 'Manik' 'Champa', 'Sabri' and 'Warner' showed moderately resistant reaction to root-knot nematode and the varieties 'Malai Kali', 'BattisaPiro', 'Shahil Kela', 'Gragric Sarpara' and 'Elavalai' showed tolerant reaction to root-knot nematode. The remaining 61 accessions were found susceptible to root-knot nematode. Of which 15 were found highly susceptible to root-knot nematode. The resistant variety 'Pisang Lilin' had shown the highest level of resistance to M.incognita whereas the susceptible variety 'Robusta' had exhibited maximum reduction in plant growth and nematode populations showing the highly susceptible reaction to root-knot nematode