Molecular marker screening of tomato, (solanum lycopersicum L.) Germplasm for root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) resistance

Abstract

Tomato is one of the crops in which genetic resistance has specially been effective against root-knot nematodes. In this study, molecular screening was done on some tomato germplasm to detect markers for the gene that confers resistance (Mi) with specific primer (Mi23/F//Mi23/R). The cultivars; VFNT, FLA 505-BL 1172, 2641A, “Adwoa Deede” and Terminator FI showed the marker for the homozygous resistant genotypes (Mi/Mi). The cultivars, Tima and 2644A showed both markers, corresponding to heterozygous resistant genotypes (Mi/mi). Twenty one (21) of the cultivars did not show any of the markers presumably due to non-specificity at the primer-binding sites. Five (5) heterozygous individuals were determined out of 6 resistant cultivars following the Hardy-Weinberg principle in population genetics.

Keywords: Germplasm, Meloidogyne incognita, molecular marker, resistance, Solanum lycopersicum.