Determination of root-ur nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) species and races and resistance of some melon watermelon genotypes against common root-knot nematode in Çukurova

Objective of this research was to determine the root knot nematode species (Meloidogyne spp), their races and infestation rate in Çukurova melon and watermelon fields, and to reveal the resistance status of some melon-watermelon genotypes and varieties against the determined root-knot nematode races between 2017-2020. In this study, it was determined that melon and watermelon areas were infested by the root-knot nematodes with rates of 43.6% and 37.3% in Adana and 57.1% ve 54.1% in Mersin Province, respectively. Total of 92 populations of Meloidogyne spp. were obtained from these areas. All populations were diagnosed with molecular PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and biochemical PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) techniques. Two species, M. incognita and M. javanica, were identified by the diagnostic studies. Considering their distributions in the sampling locations, the dominant species in the melon and watermelon production areas of Adana Province was the M. javanica (82.8%), while dominant species was the M. incognita (71.4%) in Mersin Province. In race determination studies, 42 of 61 M. javanica species had M. javanica race 1 (68.9%) and 19 M. javanica race 3 (31.1%), while all of 31 M. incognita species were identified as M. incognita race 1 (100%). In addition, their resistance and reproduction status at the 12 melon, 12 watermelon genotype and the 3 melon and 3 watermelon commercial varieties were investigated in order to determine races of root-knot nematodes. It was revealed that, all genotypes and cultivars were found to be susceptible to M. incognita race 1, M. javanica race 1 and 3. However, it was found that the Kav-216 genotype of melons and Kar-96 genotype of watermelons gave the best reaction to both races of M. javanica. In terms of reproductive factors, it has been determined that both species can develop and reproduce in all melon, watermelon genotypes and varieties, and they can form a population.