Genetic inheritance of resistance to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in eggplant F2 generation (Solanum melongena)

Mohd Nazarudin, A. ¹*, Noraziyah, A. A. S.², Nur Adliza, B.³ and Farah Huda, S. S.³

Abstract
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most widely consumed vegetables in Malaysia. However, root knot nematode (RKN) scientifically known as Meloidogyne incognita causes severe eggplant yield loss as high as 37%. The information on genetic diversity and its resistance to RKN is essential for eggplant improvement in Malaysia. This study investigated the inheritance of RKN resistance caused by M. incognita in eggplant progeny. Susceptible eggplant varieties (MTe-02) were crossed with two resistant accessions (DINO 03-0200 and DINO 03-0056) against RKN to produce the seed parent, including the F1 and F2 generations. After 60 days of M. incognita inoculation, the numbers of root knots and egg masses per plant root system were counted using a dissecting microscope. A chi-square (χ2) test of the frequency distribution based on the root knot index (RKI) of the F2 progenies of the two crosses (susceptible × resistant) revealed a 1:3 (susceptible: resistant) ratio. These results confirmed that the resistance gene against M. incognita can be inherited from the resistant parent, which can be used to develop a new eggplant hybrid resistance to M. incognita infection. This model system could also be utilised as a basis to develop new resistance varieties against RKN for other crops.

Keywords: eggplant, inheritance, Meloidogyne incognita, resistance, root knot nematode

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