The Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is an important constraint for stinking passion flower (Passiflora foetida L.)Abstract:
In Brazil, stinking passion flower (Passiflora foetida L.) is exploited as a rootstock for the commercial planting of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) and also planted for medicinal purposes. Its use as a rootstock is justified by its resistance to Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. However, is susceptible to the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and possible to the Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). This deserves attention, as plant resistance to diseases caused by soil fungi is often compromised when the roots of these plants are infected by nematodes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of M. incognita on P. foetida. Two trials were carried out in a glasshouse. The first trial comprised three treatments: T1: non-inoculated control; T2: 1,600 M. incognita specimens per plant; T3: 8,000 specimens. For the second trial T2: 5,500; T3: 22,500. Both trials were evaluated 56 days after inoculation. The results showed difference between the inoculated plants and control for the following variables: root weight, vine length, nematodes per gram of roots and reproduction rate. It was concluded that P. foetida is susceptible to M. incognita and infested crop fields should be managed before planting P. foetida.
Index terms Wild passion fruit; phytonematode; rootstock; field management
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