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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #230421
Title: Evaluation of six common peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis

Author
item Nyczepir, Andrew
item BRITO, J - DPI, GAINESVILLE, FL
item DICKSON, D - UNIV OF FL, GAINESVILLE

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2008
Publication Date: 11/11/2008
Citation: Nyczepir, A.P., Brito, J.A., Dickson, D.W. 2008. Evaluation of six common peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis. In: Proceedings of the Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, November 11-14, 2008, Orlando, Florida. p. 102-1- 102-2.

Interpretive Summary: Root knot nematodes are important pests of peach in the United States and other parts of the world if not controlled. Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica are the predominant species on peach in the Southeast. In 2001, M. mayaguensis was detected in North America for the first time from samples collected from orna¬mental nurseries in south Florida, and is now known to be widespread in Central and South Florida. Concern with M. mayaguensis has arisen because of the increased interest to grow peaches in Florida within the last 2-3 years. Evaluating different peach rootstocks for resistance to M. mayaguensis is important in determining the potential economic impact this nematode may have on the evolving peach industry in South and Central Florida. Experiments were initiated to examine the susceptibility of 6 common peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis. Current studies indicate that five rootstocks were rated as poor hosts of this nematode pathogen, and Flordaguard being immune; not allowing the nematode to complete its life cycle. These data provide useful insights into the potential use of Flordaguard rootstock as an alternative nonchemical control strategy for managing M. mayaguensis in peach orchard establishment in Florida.

Technical Abstract: Flordaguard, Guardian, Halford, Lovell, Nemaguard, and Okinawa peach rootstocks were evaluated for their susceptibility to Meloidogyne mayaguensis in two separate experiments. All rootstocks were rated as poor hosts of M. mayaguensis. Evaluating different peach rootstocks for resistance to M. mayaguensis is important in determining the potential economic impact this nematode may have on the evolving peach industry in South and Central Florida. The objective of this research was to evaluate the host susceptibility of Flordaguard, Guardian® (advanced line SC 3-17-7), Halford, Lovell, Nemaguard, and Okinawa peach rootstocks to M. mayaguensis. Our results indicate that all rootstocks were rated as either nonhosts (highly resistant) or poor hosts (resistant) of M. mayaguensis. Lovell generally supported greater numbers of M. mayaguensis eggs per plant and eggs per gram of dry root, whereas no nematode reproduction was noted on Flordaguard rootstock.