Management of bacterial wilt of brinjal using wild brinjal (Solanum torvum Sw) as root stock.

Abstract

Brinjal cultivation in coastal regions of India is severely affected by the incidence of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The pathogen is highly diverse and its management is a challenging task. A wild relative, Solanum torvum was identified as resistant type. Seedlings of the cultivated, local brinjal types, Agassaim, Taleigao and other lines from a segregated population were grafted on wild type, S. torvum. None of the Agassaim grafts was found wilted when challenged with the pathogen owing to inability of the bacterium to colonize the grafts. Field evaluation of the grafts indicated the complete protection from bacterial wilt whereas the seedlings recorded 60 to 74 per cent wilt in three field trials and 66 to 84 per cent wilt in forth trial. Grafted plants yielded fruits similar to that of the seedling type indicating its acceptability among the growers and consumers. This technology could be a promising strategy in the management of bacterial wilt.