Evaluation of Indigenous Germplasm of Pigeonpea for Tolerance against Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Experiments were carried out in pot conditions to evaluate the reactions of 47 cultivars of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) against Meloidogyne incognita at the inoculum level of 2000 J2/kg soil. Five cultivars, SKNP-0217, JKE-114, SKNP-0203, PT-05-36, WBP-216 were found fairly resistant. AKT 221030, AL 1571, SKNP 2006, JKE 110, ASJ 105 were recognized as tolerant and eight cultivars, PA-303, HDM-04-1, Pusa-2006-1, SKNP-0224, CORG-990015, JKM-197, CORG-990014, PI-397430 as highly susceptible. Rest of the cultivars exhibited moderate susceptible reaction. Reproduction of the nematode was considerably lower in the resistant cultivars. The cultivar PT 05–36 showed highest resistance among all the 47 cultivars and this can be recommended for field evaluation. Cultivar PI 397030 was observed as most susceptible cultivar and should be avoided in the areas where root-knot nematode is prevalent. Cultivar BDN 2001-6 appeared to be an option of trap crop against M. incognita.