Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is extensively cultivated in both open fields and under protected conditions in Andhra Pradesh. Among biotic constraints, root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) are considered as important production limiting factors causing 30 – 50% yield losses in cucumber. Among phytonematodes, particularly the genus Meloidogyne, commonly known as root-knot nematode, poses a significant challenge to cucumber production. These plant-parasitic nematodes rely on root sap for survival, disrupting the proper uptake of water and minerals by the plant. Symptoms of infestation include root galling, leaf yellowing, and stunted plant growth. Utilizing resistant cultivars/species is a crucial strategy for managing root-knot nematodes compared to other control methods. This study aimed to assess thirteen wild and cultivated cucurbitaceous rootstocks along with two cucumber scions for their resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) under protected conditions, employing artificial inoculation at the College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Annamayya District. Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with two replications. The results revealed that higher highest number of days taken for germination in Citrullus colocynthis, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight was observed in pumpkin whereas low number of egg masses, rootknot females and final nematode population was observed in pumpkin followed by Citrullus colocynthis and sponge gourd

Cucumber, Meloidogyne incognita, Screening, resistance, Artificial inoculation

Our findings are similar to previous research about the highly susceptible response of cucurbitaceous species against RKNs. Screening is a continuous process because sexual reproduction in RKNs possesses the capability to break any type of resistance by adjusting themselves against the subjected crop species (Gulzar et al., 2022). This study indicated that the moderately resistant cultivars, such as pumpkin and Citrullus colocynthis, are recommended for cultivation under integrated production systems. These cultivars present a profitable alternative for producing healthy, toxin-free cucurbits for consumers and for developing new resistant cultivars. Screening for root-knot resistant germplasm and developing resistant rootstocks can provide an environmentally friendly method for managing soil borne diseases in cucurbitaceous species. Given the rising cost of nematicides and their restrictions on commercial use, grafting may become an economically feasible method. C. moschata rootstocks may be particularly useful for low-input sustainable horticulture and could benefit home gardeners, especially those in areas with high infestations of southern root-knot nematode

N. Mounica, P. Syam Sundar Reddy, Syed Sadarunissa, M. Jayaprada, G. Sarada and Y. Sireesha (2024). Evaluation of Wild and Cultivated Cucurbitaceous Rootstocks for Resistance to Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(9): 133-139.