Screening of Guava Cultivars for Resistance to Rootknot Nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii)

Meloidogyne enterolobii, a highly aggressive root-knot nematode, poses a serious threat to guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivation globally. The present study was conducted under controlled conditions to evaluate the susceptibility of different guava cultivars to M. enterolobii infestation. Among the tested varieties, Hissar Safeda recorded the highest average number of root galls (114.00 galls/plant), followed by Redflesh (108.00), Lalit (86.00), L-49 (65.67) and Allahabad Safeda (47.67). In contrast, Prabhat and Chittidar exhibited the lowest gall numbers, with 33.33 and 30.00 galls per plant, respectively. Based on the Root Gall Index (RGI), Chittidar was categorized as moderately resistant, while Hissar Safeda and Redflesh were identified as highly susceptible. The remaining cultivars, including L-49, Shweta, Dhawal, Allahabad Safeda, VNR, Lalit and Prabhat, displayed a susceptible reaction to M. enterolobii. These findings offer valuable information for selecting resistant or tolerant guava cultivars in nematode-prone areas, aiding in the development of sustainable guava production strategies.