ABSTRACT:

Twelve indigenous pepper lines (UNS2. UNS3' NSKY-LP, Atanukwu. Sombe, NSKY-SE, Attarugu, Tatasai. Dangarawo. Oshosho, NSKY-RW and a Hybrid between Sombe and NSKY-RW) were assayed for their reactions to M. incognita race 1 at Nsukka. lndividuaI plants were inoculated with 2,000 eggs of the nematode species. Uninoculated plants served as the control. infected plants were scored for galling and egg mass production on a 0-5 rating scale. The pepper lines differed significantly in their severity of galling. NSKY-LP. NSKY-SE and Attarugu, had significantly fewer gall and egg mass counts per root system and per gram fresh weight of root than the other lines and were consequently accorded resistant status. had gall indices of less than 2. UNS1 .. Dangarawa and Oshosho were moderately susceptible (GI = 2.33). The rest of the lines were highly susceptible (GI > 3): The nematode infection decreased root and shoot growth, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot of Ata11ukwu, som/Je, Tatasw. Dangsrawa, NSKY-RW and the Hybrid when compared v,ith the controls. The number of fruits set was significantly reduced in UNS2,. Atanukwu. Sombe Tatasai, Oshosh and NSKY-RW Fruit yields were not significantly reduced in NSKY-LP. NSKY-SE and the Hybrid. Yie.ld reduction ranged from 7% to 81% among the pepper lines. NSKY-LP, NSKY-SE and Attarngu could be used for resistance breeding programme. The hybrid could be utilised as a planting material in soils infested with M. incognita race I.