Investigation of nematode density and the resistance of some grafted tomato varieties against root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in greenhouse

Tomato has a great economic importance in our country and Antalya province is in the first place in cultivation. One of the most important pests of tomato is root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). In this study, the spread of the root knot nematode in vaccinated and unvaccinated varieties between 2019-2020 in greenhouse tomato cultivation areas in Antalya province and some districts was investigated. 303 soil and root samples were taken from 6 districts and 31 villages in Antalya. Clean and contaminated areas were determined in the study. It was determined that 22 (16,05%) out of 137 grafted tomato samples and 88 (53,01%) out of 166 unvaccinated tomato samples were contaminated with root knot nematode. It has been determined that grafted varieties are more resistant to soil borne diseases than unvaccinated varieties. It has been observed that grafted varieties yield more yields than unvaccinated varieties in areas contaminated with root knot nematodes. Although the number of J2 period larvae of the grafted tomatoes contaminated with root knot nematode was around 100 or more from the soil, it was determined that the root development was strong and the growth was acceptable. According to the egg package scale, all grafted varieties are considered durable with a maximum value of 2. The most intensive contamination was seen in the villages of Belkıs, Yeşilyurt, Kökez, Gebiz in Serik, Çakış village in Manavgat, Macun district in Aksu. No root knot nematode was found in samples taken from Demre. In the investigations, M. incognita and M. javanica previously identified in the region were identified. Key Words : M. incognita, root knot, tomato, Antalya