Studies on the interaction and management of fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici) and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato
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Date
2023-06
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
The devastating disease known as root knot nematode-Fusarium wilt disease complex is
caused by the synergistic relationship of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Meloidogyne
incognita on tomato plants. Due to the significant losses caused by these pathogens the present
investigation aimed to develop effective management strategies that reduce the reliance on fungicides
by focusing on the utilization of plant extracts, bioagents enriched with organic amendments to
mitigate the risk of the disease. The study indicated that the severity of fusarium wilt increased when
Meloidogyne incognita predisposed plants to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici which highlighting
the importance of managing these pathogens effectively. The investigations on the interaction of both
pathogens demonstrated that the presence of nematodes in the rhizosphere heightened severity of
fusarium wilt disease. Based on the management practices implemented it was observed that neem cake
among the organic amendments, Trichoderma harzianum among the bioagents, seedling dip with a
20% concentration of neem leaf extract was most promising in reducing the severity of the fusarium
wilt and also enhanced antioxidant factors such as peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase. The study
implied that the combination of Trichoderma harzianum enriched with neem cake results lower
infection rate and a reduced area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) compared to the control
inoculated with the pathogens. Additionally, treatment exhibited higher chlorophyll content and
increased photosynthetic rate results enhance plant health and promote photosynthetic activity in
tomato plants affected by the fusarium wilt disease complex.