The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica Race 3 is an important nematod
e parasite of groundnut. Greenhouse evaluation of 184 accessions of 33 wild
Arachis spp. five interspecific derivatives, 18 groundnut cultivars for ro
ot damage (galls formed by nematode) and nematode reproduction demonstrated
that resistance to the nematode is available in the genepool of wild Arach
is spp. Seven accessions, ICG 8952 (Arachis helodes), ICC 13211 (A. sylvest
ris), ICG 13224 (A. kretscmeri), ICG 13231 (Arachis sp.), ICG 14862 (A. kuh
lmannii), ICG 14868 (A. stenosperma), and ICG 14915 (A. sylvestris) were hi
ghly resistant to nematode reproduction and root damage. There was no gall
and eggmass formation on any plant of these accessions. Thirty-three access
ions were resistant and 14 were moderately resistant. All the tested access
ions of A. monticola, A. benensis, A. ipaensis, A. hoehnei, A. kempff-merca
doi, A. valida, A. chiquitana, A. rigonii, A. vallsii, A. dardani, A. parag
uariensis, A. triseminata, interspecific derivatives, and groundnut cultiva
rs were susceptible. The possible use of resistance sources in the breeding
program is discussed.