Response of some selected Sesbania species to root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

Certain leguminous trees in the genus Sesbania Scop. are well known for their high forage value as well as commercial products like fuel-wood and gum. They are a rich protein source for livestock, particularly in lean periods and also improve the soil fertility because of their nitrogen fixing capacity. Seedlings of these trees have been found to be severely damaged or sometimes killed by Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitw., but information about possible resistance to M. incognita among Sesbania species is lacking. Therefore, the present studies were made to screen 18 available cultivars, belonging to 8 species of Sesbania, against M. incognita and to determine the influence of M. incognita on the growth of S. grandiflora Poir. at different inoculum levels.