Investigation of reactions of eggplant rootstocks to root-knot nematode species

Eggplant is one of the important vegetables grown in the world. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) cause economic losses in eggplant-growing areas. The use of resistant varieties or rootstocks is environmentally friendly management methods against root-knot nematodes. The cultivated eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is not resistant to root-knot nematodes. However, the wild eggplant, Solanum torvum (Sw.), is resistant to some root-knot nematode species and used as rootstock for cultivated eggplants. Therefore, having the knowledge of response of eggplant rootstocks developed originally from S. torvum is required to control avirulent and virulent populations of root-knot nematodes that are widely present in vegetable growing areas. In the present study, the response of eggplants rootstocks, Hawk and Boğaç, developed originally S. torvum was evaluated to M. incognita (G4, K5, V6 and V20), M. javanica (K21, F4, V26 and V28) and M. luci (TK4 and OR2) in plant growth chamber at 24±1 ºC with a 16/8 hours (light/dark) cycle. Each nematode species-rootstocks combination was replicated five times in a completely randomized parcel design and the experiment was repeated two times. Seedlings were inoculated with 1000 second stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes. The seedlings were grown in a plant growth chamber for 60 days after inoculation. The plants were removed, and the roots were washed in water. Then, the number of egg masses and galls on the roots and second stage of juveniles in 100 g soil of per pot were counted under microscope. According to 0-5 scale value and reproduction factor, Hawk and Boğaç were resistant to all avirulent and virulent isolates of M. incognita, M. javanica and M. luci. The rootstocks can be recommended to control root-knot nematodes in eggplant-growing areas. KEYWORDS: Rootstocks, Resistance, Root-knot nematodes, Eggplants, Solanum torvum