Root growth of okra grafted onto roselle inoculated with root-knot nematodes

• Grant number: 22/08811-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Edgard Henrique Costa Silva
• Grantee: Beatriz Viezel Moraes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Okra is a vegetable of socioeconomic relevance, mainly for family farming. The crop is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and there is no genetic resistance reported within the species or genus. Recent lines of research have pointed to intergeneric grafting onto roselle as an alternative for the management of root-knot nematodes in okra, maintaining yield without increasing the nematode population. In this sense, the objective of this proposal is to evaluate the root growth of okra grafted onto roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) inoculated with root-knot nematodes. To this end, an experiment will be conducted in a completely randomized design in a 4x4 factorial scheme, with five replications. The first factor will consist of non-grafted okra, self-grafted okra, okra grafted onto roselle and non-grafted roselle. The second factor will be constituted by the presence or absence of root-knot nematode species, being non-inoculated control and inoculation with M. incognita, M. javanica or M. enterolobii. The plants will be evaluated at 60 days after transplanting. The shoot (plant height, number of leaves, and dry shoot mass) and root (length, volume, surface, and length by diameter class) will be evaluated. It is expected to understand how grafting and root-knot species influence okra root development.