Nematostatic activity of root extracts of banana (Musa spp.) genotypes as pre-infectional resistance mechanism against the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis

ABSTRACTBurrowing nematode (Radapholus similis) is a major threat to banana (Musa spp.) production throughout the world. All commercial banana cultivars are lacking of R. similis resistance. The conferred resistance available in non-commercial banana genotypes opens ways to develop new hybrids with R. similis resistance by conventional or molecular-breeding techniques. Understanding the mechanism of resistance is the primary step that can provide Musa breeders and molecular biologists with the necessary principles to create nematode-resistant plants. Phenols and lignin have been ascribed as post-infectional resistant mechanism in banana. However, information on anti-nematode compounds that are presented in resistant banana plants before challenge by R. similis is limited. Therefore, the roots of some resistant/tolerant genotypes were tested for anti-nematode bioactivity by root amendment study. The root homogenates of resistant/tolerant genotypes (Yankambi km-5 (YKM-5), Pisang Lilin, Pisang Jaribuaya, Ros...