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Evaluation of Alfalfa for Stem‐Nematode Resistance 1
Author(s) -
Elgin J. H.,
Evans D. W.,
Faulkner L. R.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1975.0011183x001500020040x
Subject(s) - biology , medicago sativa , nematode , inoculation , seeding , agronomy , resistance (ecology) , horticulture , botany , ecology
An improved laborsaving technique for evaluating stem‐nematode [ Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn) Filipjev] resistance in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) was developed. To demonstrate the technique, seedlings of three resistant and three susceptible varieties were inoculated by watering with nematode suspensions at seeding and again at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and were rated 16 weeks after seeding. Resistant varieties ‘Apalachee,’ ‘Lahontan,’ and ‘Washoe’ averaged 90.1, 67.8, and 63.7% resistant plants, respectively. Susceptible varieties ‘Saranac,’ ‘Vernal,’ and ‘Ranger’ averaged 34.9, 15.1, and 12.2% resistant plants. Because of its ease of application and its ability to differentiate clearly between resistant and susceptible varieties, this method should appeal to many workers.