Breeding and evaluation of Musa hybrids to the spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus

Abstract

Twenty four banana (Musa) hybrids developed by crossing nematode resistant male parents viz., Pisang lilin, Anaikomban, Pisang Jari Buaya, Ambalakadali, Rose, H-56, H-201 and Yangambi KM5 with commercial triploid bananas viz., Karpooravalli, Poovan, Hill banana, Manoranjitham and Rasthali were screened for their reaction to spiral nematode Helicotylenchus multicinctus under field and pot conditions. The hybrids H 516 and H 531 were resistant, while the hybrids H 511, H 534, H 537, H 571, H 572 and H 589 were tolerant. Among the resistant hybrids, H 516 and H 531 produce good bunch weights. H 504, H 515, H 529, H 530, H 532, H 540, H 542, H 547, H 548, H 556, H 563, H 564, H 573 and H 576 were susceptible and H 508 was highly susceptible. The resistant hybrids had enhanced contents of total phenol, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. The overall evaluation of 24 parthenocarpic Musa hybrids led to identification of the hybrid H 531 with high yield potential as well as increased resistance to H. multicinctus.