Host status of plants associated to coffee shady agroecosystems to Meloidogyne paranaensis

Abstract

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne paranaensis is one of the main problems for coffee production in Latin American countries. In Mexico, this nematode is found damaging shaded coffee plantations, with a wide variety of associated vegetation. The plant species present in these agroecosystems could serve as nematode alternative hosts, helping to maintain and disperse the population of M. paranaensis even when control measures are carried out for coffee trees. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of M. paranaensis to reproduce in 13 plant species commonly associated with shade-grown coffee plantations. The plants were inoculated with eggs and J2 of M. paranaensis, 10 months later, the host susceptibility index and the resistance level were calculated based on the nematode population density. Meloidogyne paranaensis reproduced in 11 of the evaluated plants which presented different resistance levels. Citrus aurantium, Citrus reticulata, Inga jinicuil, Inga vera and Musa AA, were highly susceptible compared to Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. On the other hand, Macadamia integrifolia and Psidium guajava are considered resistant to moderately resistant with a reproduction rate less than one and a susceptibility index less than 10 with respect to C. arabica and less than 25 with respect to C. canephora. Persea schiedeana and Syzygium jambos did not allow M. paranaensis reproduction, so they are considered highly resistant. The results of this study provide important information for the M. paranaensis management in infested shade-grown coffee plantations. It is necessary to evaluate other woody and herbaceous plant species to improve control measures for this nematode.