A survey of root knot nematodes and resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in sweet potato varieties from Kenyan fields
Study on the diversity of Meloidogyne species sweet potato fields and varieties that exhibit resistance to the pathogen
Abstract
Meloidogyne species are the most economically damaging plant parasitic nematode groups, and are widely distributed in Kenyan agro-ecosystems. The characteristic signs of root-knot nematode disease are large galls or knots on plant roots.
The study determined the diversity of Meloidogyne species in Kenyan sweet potato fields and identified sweet potato varieties that exhibit resistance to the pathogen. Meloidogyne incognita is the most prevalent species in Kenyan sweet potato fields.
The study concludes that the 49 out of 72 sweet potato varieties considered ‘very resistant’ may be used in breeding programmes to incorporate resistance against M. incognita into commercial cultivars of sweet potato or used in crop rotation programmes for management of root knot nematode. The results on Meloidogyne species diversity in Kenyan sweet potato fields will also be useful in nematode management programmes.
This is an output from the ‘Enemy Below-Ground: Elucidating the Semiochemical Basis for Root-Knot Nematode Infestations in High-Value Vegetable Small Holder Farming Systems in East Africa’ It is funded by UK Department for International Development.
Citation
Karuri H.W., Olago D., Neilson R., Mararo E. and Villinger J. (2017) A survey of root knot nematodes and resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in sweet potato varieties from Kenyan fields. Crop Protection 92, 114–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2016.10.020