USE OF A RESISTANT PEPPER AS A ROTATIONAL CROP TO MANAGE SOUTHERN ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE

A 3-year field study was conducted at Blackville, S,C,, to evaluate th e potential of using resistant pepper (Capsicum annuum L,) cultivars a s a rotation crop for managing the southern root knot nematode [Meloid ogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood]. The experiment was a spl it-plot with main plots arranged in a randomized complete-block design . In 1993, the entire experimental site was infested with M, incognita by inoculating a planting of susceptible PA-136 cayenne pepper with e ggs of M. incognita race 3, In 1994, the main plots were planted to ei ther highly resistant 'Carolina Cayenne' or its susceptible sibling li ne PA-136, In 1995, 'Carolina Cayenne' and the susceptible bell cultiv ars California Wonder and Keystone Resistant Giant were grown as subpl ots in each of the original main plots.'Carolina Cayenne' plants were unaffected by the previous crop. Previous cropping history, however, h ad a significant impact on the performance of the bell cultivars; the mean galling response was less (P < 0.01) and the yield was 2.8 times greater (P < 0.01) in the main plots previously cropped with 'Carolina Cayenne' than in those previously cropped with PA-136. These results suggest that resistant pepper cultivars have considerable merit as a r otation crop for managing M. incognita infestations in soils used for growing high-value vegetables.