Screening of Okra Genotypes for Resistance against Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Twenty-five okra genotypes were screened for their resistance to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (1000 J2/ kg soil) during two consecutive seasons (summer and kharif). Based on root-knot index (RKI), six genotypes viz., USM-5016, HB-111, PB-57, TR-BH-40, HB-11-3-4, and USM-5017 consistently exhibited resistant reactions across both seasons. Eight genotypes viz., Hisar Naveen, Hisar Unnat, BB-1, CT-GS, HRB-105-2-1, HBT-1-12, HBT-15, and USM-5017/A were categorized as moderately resistant. Whereas nine genotypes (Varsha Uphar, JINDOL-3, TR-BH-46, HRB-105-2-2, HB-20-3-4, HB-11-2-4, HB-8-3-1, HB-981, and HBT-57) were found susceptible to the nematode. The genotypes, Pusa Sawani and HBT-53 were classified as highly susceptible. The genotype USM-5016 exhibited the lowest number of galls and egg masses (6.00 & 4.25), followed by HB-11-1 (6.75 & 4.75), while the highest number of galls and egg masses were recorded in the cv. Pusa Sawani (101.25 & 86.75). The final soil population of the nematode was significantly lower, (265 J2/200 cc soil) in resistant genotype USM-5016, followed by HB-11-1 (272 J2/200 cc soil) compared to the control (Pusa Sawani) (630 J2/200 cc soil).