Reaction of Musa hybrids to Fusarium wilt and Radopholus similis, burrowing nematode complex

Abstract

Forty three banana hybrids developed by crossing Fusarium and nematode resistant male parents, viz., Pisang Lilin, Anaikomban, Pisang Jari Buaya, Ambalakadali, Rose, H-56, H-201 and Yangambi KM5 with commercial triploid bananas, viz., Karpooravalli, Poovan, Hill banana, Manoranjitham and Rasthali. The resultant hybrids were screened for their reaction to FOC (Race 1) alone and in combination with Radopholus similis in pots under glasshouse conditions. When the hybrids were inoculated with FOC alone, H 511, H 516, H 531, H 534, H 537, H 571, H-02-34, H-03-05, H-03-13, H-03-17, H-04-12 and NPH-02-01 were found resistant with a wilt score 1.0. When FOC was inoculated along with R. similis, the hybrids H 516 and H 531 recorded a root lesion index of 3.0, a wilt score of 1.0 and rated as resistant to both fungus and nematode. The hybrids H 511, H 534, H 537, H 571, H-02-34, H-03-05, H-03-13, H-03-17, H-04-12 and NPH-02-01 were found to be resistant to FOC and tolerant to R. similis. The percent reduction of plant height, plant girth, number of leaves/plant and number of roots/plant after combined inoculation was the lowest in H 531. Polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme activities and total phenols contents in root were higher in H 531 than in the other hybrids. This screening trial indicated that the new banana hybrid H 531 has good combined resistance against FOC and nematodes.