Description
Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), is grown in many areas of the world, but production in subtropical regions may be limited by susceptibility to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) (RKN). Selection for early vigor in RKN infested soils resulted in moderate RKN tolerance in ‘Cherokee’. However, improved RKN resistance in red clover was needed. Seven additional cycles of greenhouse selection using Cherokee as a base population developed a population (FLMR7) with high RKN resistance. When FLMR7 was infested with M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, or M. javanica, numbers of galls and egg masses were lower than on Cherokee or an earlier cycle of selection (FLMR6). The resistance mechanisms appeared to delay and reduce RKN maturation at all life stages, including reduction in number of egg masses per plant. Preliminary evidence suggests that resistance may interact with higher soil temperatures.
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Development of Red Clover with High Levels of Resistance to Root-Knot Nematodes
Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), is grown in many areas of the world, but production in subtropical regions may be limited by susceptibility to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) (RKN). Selection for early vigor in RKN infested soils resulted in moderate RKN tolerance in ‘Cherokee’. However, improved RKN resistance in red clover was needed. Seven additional cycles of greenhouse selection using Cherokee as a base population developed a population (FLMR7) with high RKN resistance. When FLMR7 was infested with M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, or M. javanica, numbers of galls and egg masses were lower than on Cherokee or an earlier cycle of selection (FLMR6). The resistance mechanisms appeared to delay and reduce RKN maturation at all life stages, including reduction in number of egg masses per plant. Preliminary evidence suggests that resistance may interact with higher soil temperatures.
