Evaluation of Rootstocks of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) against Wilt

Late wilt symptoms (16.33 months) was recorded in the rootstock Jallore Seedless, while the earlier wilt symptoms (12 months) were observed in Alandi, Patna-5 and Muscat. The CFU count for Fusarium ranged from 13 x 10⁻⁴ -15 x 10⁻⁴ was found at the end of the experiment. The lowest mortality (13.33%) was recorded in two rootstocks viz., Bedana Suri and Yercaud. The lowest mortality (13.33%) was recorded in two rootstocks viz., Bedana Suri and Yercaud The highest mortality (40.00% each) was recorded in Alandi. The mortality ranged from 13.33–40.00%. The average range of nematode galls was 25.33–36.00. The minimum nematode galls (25.33) were recorded in Daru. However, the maximum nematode galls (36.00) were recorded in the rootstock Yercaud. The final minimum (3286.67) nematode count/pot was recorded in the rootstock Daru (R₁₁). However, the maximum (5860.00) nematode count/pot was recorded in the rootstock Kandhari (R₄). The final root-knot nematode count/pot ranged from 3286.67- 5860.00 at the end of the experiment (06 months after seed sowing). Thus, it is concluded that the rootstocks viz., Daru, Jodhpur Red, Jallore Seedless and Bedana Suri were found to be moderately resistant to root-knot nematode and wilt disease.