Resistance to Meloidogyne javanica in wild Arachis species*

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica Race 3 is an important nematode parasite of groundnut. Greenhouse evaluation of 184 accessions of 33 wild Arachis spp. five interspecific derivatives, 18 groundnut cultivars for root damage (galls formed by nematode) and nematode reproduction demonstrated that resistance to the nematode is available in the genepool of wild Arachis spp. Seven accessions, ICG 8952 (Arachis helodes), ICC 13211 (A. sylvestris), ICG 13224 (A. kretscmeri), ICG 13231 (Arachis sp.), ICG 14862 (A. kuhlmannii), ICG 14868 (A. stenosperma), and ICG 14915 (A. sylvestris) were highly resistant to nematode reproduction and root damage. There was no gall and eggmass formation on any plant of these accessions. Thirty-three accessions were resistant and 14 were moderately resistant. All the tested accessions of A. monticola, A. benensis, A. ipaensis, A. hoehnei, A. kempff-mercadoi, A. valida, A. chiquitana, A. rigonii, A. vallsii, A. dardani, A. paraguariensis, A. triseminata, interspecific derivatives, and groundnut cultivars were susceptible. The possible use of resistance sources in the breeding program is discussed.