Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a cucurbitaceous of great appreciation worldwide. The intensive cultivation of melons has favored the increase of plant health problems in several producing regions. Among these problems, the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) stands out. The development of genetically resistant cultivars is consolidated as an effective strategy for the management of these pathogens, it is then essential to screen cultivars and accessions for later identification of genetic sources of resistance. This study aimed to evaluates the reaction of melon genotypes to Meloidogyne enterolobii. The essay was conducted at the Sector of Vegetable Crops and Aromatic-Medicinal Plants of UNESP-FCAV Jaboticabal Campus, in greenhouse, from March to June, 2015. It was evaluated 18 melon genotypes, two commercial cultivars 'Fantasy' and 'Louis', and as susceptibility control, the tomato 'Santa Cruz Kada'. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 21 treatments and 7 repetitions. The total number of eggs and juveniles in the roots (TNEJ) and the reproduction factor (RF) were obtained in order to determine the reaction of each genotype evaluated. The accessions PI 414723, AC 29, and PI 124112 are resistant to M. enterolobii and are therefore promising for breeding programs.

Key words: Cucumis melo, reproduction factor, plant breeding, root-knot nematode.