ارزیابی عکس‌العمل پنج رقم پسته به نماتد مولد گره ریشه (Meloidogyne javanica)

Pistachio is one of the most important horticultural products of Iran, which plays an important role in non-oil exports and exchange earning. Several pathogenic agents limit pistachio production. Root knot nematodes have always been one of the important plant pathogenic agents in pistachio orchards due to their global distribution, wide host range and interaction with other plant parasites and at least 5% reduction in production. Since the use of resistant cultivars is one of the most effective methods in the management of root knot nematodes, in the present study, the response of 5 pistachio cultivars (Momtaz, Kelah-Ghochi, Qazvini, Kal khandan and Badami Sefid) was evaluated to Meloidogyne javanica in garden conditions. Nematode population density in the soil before pistachio seed planting was 620 juvenile 2 (J2) in 250 ml of contaminated soil. The seeds of different pistachio cultivars were planted in a piece of infected orchard with the knot nematode (M. javanica) in a completely randomized block design with 3 replications. The results showed that the lowest number (55.3 and 65.3) and the highest (100.3 and 114.3) number of galls and egg mass were observed in Momtaz and Badami Sefied cultivars, respectively. Kale Ghochi cultivar was without significant difference with Momtaz cultivar and Qazvini and Kal Khandan were intermediate. The reproduction factor of M. javanica in pistachio cultivars did not show any significant difference with each other. The highest and lowest of stem height and aerial dry weight were observed in Momtaz, Kale Ghochi and Badami Sefied cultivars respectively. In general, the results showed that all tested pistachio cultivars are sensitive to M. javanica species. Considering the sensitivity of commercial cultivars, it is better to use cultural control and phytosanitary methods to prevent the root knot nematodes damage. Certified seedlings (free of nematodes), suitable soil texture, and the use of root growth enhancers are recommended.