Susceptibility of four passion fruit species to the reniform nematode

Abstract Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a major pest of sour-passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) in Brazil, and few management methods are currently available, mainly due to the lack of host-plant resistance. Other species of passion fruit species are also commercially available in Brazil, which could be a source of resistance. Cultivars of three species (P. setacea ‘BRS-Pérola-do-Cerrado’, P. cincinnata ‘BRS-Sertão-Forte’, and P. alata ‘BRS-Mel-do-Cerrado’), and one susceptible cultivar (P. edulis BRS-Gigante-Amarelo) were evaluated for reniform nematode susceptibility in two greenhouse trials. Results showed that the cultivars were susceptible. Therefore, reniform nematode management in passion fruit must be rely on a combination of nematode-free seedlings and nematode-free fields.