Response of Various Wheat Varieties Against Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne graminicola) Based on their Morphological Characters and Grain Yield
Response of Various Wheat Varieties Against Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne graminicola) Based on their Morphological Characters and Grain Yield
Ahmad Khan1, Muhammad Amjad Ali1, Muhammad Tahir1, Samreen Nazeer2*, Muhammad Zubair Akram3*, Muhammad Arslan Azmat1 and Sabina Asghar4
ABSTRACT
Meloidogyne graminicola, which is commonly referred to as the rice root-knot nematode (RKN), represents a substantial and prevalent challenge in Southeast Asia. This nematode species is recognized as one of the foremost biotic constraints in the region, making it a prominent and recurring issue for agriculture and crop management. This study investigated the response of fourteen different wheat plant varieties to root knot nematode and their impact on plant growth parameters. Impact of morphological plant characters on galling population and egg mass index was assessed. Results revealed that Ujala-16 yielded best crop stands with plant height (92.79 cm), root weight (0.94 g), tillering capacity (12.4), grain count per spike (49.7), grain weight (42.0 g), and grain yield per pot (9.3g). Ujala-16 and Faisalabad-86 had minimum galls per pot and egg mass index of 1.6:1.2 and 1.9:1.8, respectively. Mexipak-65 had maximum 9.4 galls per pot. There were significant variations observed among the varieties, indicating varying levels of resistance or susceptibility to nematode infestation. Ujala-16 and Sehar-06 demonstrated resistance (R) having maximum RGS (Root gall Severity) of 2.2 and 3.1 with minimum RI (Resistance Index) of 34.6 and 32.5, respectively. Faisalabad-85, Zardana-80, Morocco, and Mexipak-65 displayed moderate resistance (MR) while six varieties exhibited intermediate (IM) responses. Inqlab-91 and Iqbal-2000 were found susceptible (S) with maximum RI of 72.4 and 77.6, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between nematode infestation and plant growth parameters. Plant height exhibited maximum impact of 59.09 and 45.24 % on galling index and egg mass index, respectively. The findings provide valuable insights for selecting resistant varieties and implementing nematode management strategies. Understanding the response of plant varieties to root knot nematodes is crucial for effective nematode control and ensuring optimal crop yield.
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