TABLE CONTENTS

Evaluation of Banana Germplasm as Part of the International Musa
Testing Program (IMTPIII) for Nematode Resistance
Daneel, M.S. (1), K. Beullens (2), K. De Jager (1), W. Steyn (1), C. Fraser (1) &
D. De Waele (2)
(1) ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag, X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa; (2)
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Kasteelpark Arenberg 13, 3001
Leuven, Belgium.
Banana germplasm originated from a wide range of Musa material was selected to be tested
for nematode resistance as part of an International Musa Testing Program (IMTPIII) for
nematode resistance in PROMUSA, a global network for Musa improvement. Green house
test and a field test were executed. In total 19 genotypes were tested. In the green house,
plants were infested with Radopholus similis (burrowing nematode) and evaluated for
number of nematodes and root damage at week 6, 9 and 12 after inoculation. Grand Nain was
used as the susceptible and Yangambi km5 as the resistant cultivar. Results showed that
several genotypes including FHIA 1, FHIA 18, Paka and Kunnan were more resistant to R.
similis than Yamgambi Km5. In the field trial Meloidogyne spp (root-knot nematode) and a
low infestation of R. similis were present. After three crops (Plant crop, R1 and R2) it was
obvious that Meloidogyne spp. was present on all genotypes with high numbers on Grand
Nain, Bluggoe and Ducasse. R. similis was found on most genotypes but in lower numbers.
However compared to Grand Nain, Kunnan, FHIA 1 and Paka showed some tolerance.
Additionally Foconah and Selangor also showed some tolerance in the field trial. However,
South African conditions are not optimal for banana germplasm and several genotypes did
not adapt well therefore given very poor results. A combination of both green house and field
trials executed in different climatic zones should however provide results that than can be
used by breeders. Additionally some IITA efforts will be discussed to illustrate the
development in resistant material in Africa.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 33