Reaction of alfalfa cultivars to the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans

Abstract

Fourteen alfalfa cultivars were evaluated for their reaction to the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans in a glasshouse. Significant differences were observed among the cultivars in shoot and root weight and nematode population densities. In the cvs ZC 9640A, ZG 9840, ZG 9941A, ZH 9930H and ZX 9959 the number of specimens of P. penetrans per root and gram of root was significantly less than in the susceptible control (cv. Baker) and similar to the resistant control (cv. MNGRN-16). Moreover, nematodes in the cv. ZX 9930H were significantly less than in the resistant control. Therefore, these cultivars can be considered resistant and useful to control P. penetrans in the Pacific North-west of the USA.