Survey and Identification of Meloidogyne incognita on Solanum melongena in Different Blocks of Jhansi, Lalitpur and Datia of Bundelkhand Region

Abstract

A field survey was conducted to assess root-knot nematode occurrence in brinjal (Solanum melongena) fields in selected blocks of Jhansi, Lalitpur and Datia in the Bundelkhand region, quantify infestation indices and identify the associated Meloidogyne species. Soil and infected root samples were collected from 455 fields across 17 developmental blocks between 26 January and 25 March 2021. Root samples were examined for galling and egg masses, nematode populations were assessed from soil samples, and disease prevalence, relative density, inoculum density and gall index were recorded. Species identification was based mainly on female perineal-pattern characters. Of the 455 fields surveyed, 256 were infested with root-knot disease. Disease prevalence varied among blocks, with higher values in Gursarai, Moth and Madawara and lower values in Talbehet and Jakhoara. Madawara recorded the highest inoculum density of second-stage juveniles, whereas Bhander recorded the lowest. The maximum gall index was observed in Bangra, Gursarai, Madawara and Mehroani. Mixed populations of M. incognita and M. javanica occurred in several blocks, while M. incognita was identified as the predominant species based on morphological diagnostic characters. The findings provide baseline information on the spatial variation of root-knot nematode infestation in brinjal across the surveyed area.