LAUSR

Abstract A total of 161 Musa genotypes were screened for resistant or tolerant reaction to the natural populations of burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis in a field. Among them, 12 genotypes showed resistant and 37 showed tolerant reaction. To confirm their resistance or tolerant reaction, they were challenge inoculated with R. similis population in pots. The results showed that the YKM-5, Manoranjitham, Anaikomban, Pisang Lilin, Pisang Jaribuaya, Rose, Matti, Hatitat and Veneettu Kunnan were consistently resistant to R. similis in both field and pot conditions whereas Gros Michel, Williams, Red Banana (Mutant), Green Red, Agneeswar, Pisang Mas, Tongat and Then Kunnan were found to be tolerant. The pot study also confirmed that the genotypes Naka Bululu, Nattu Poovan, Motta Poovan, Kullan, Kalibow, Kali Red, Co 1, Chinali, Poovan, Myndoli, Malbhog, Big-e-Banga, Sannachenkadali, Ambalakadali, Namari, Culcutta-4, Ney Poovan, Kunnan, Adukkan, Bile Kadali, Chakkiya, Bagner, Nallabotha, Pacha Bontha Batheesa, Ashy Batheesa, Karpooravalli, Nattu Peyan, M.B.Sawai, FHIA-1, FHIA-3, FHIA-17 and FHIA-23 were susceptible to R. similis though they showed resistant or tolerance reaction under field conditions.