In vitro chemical control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici is notorious disease that results in adverse influence on growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). In the present investigation, a wide range of commercially available fungicides were assessed for their antifungal activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Laboratory experiments were conducted using malt extract broth as growth medium with recommended dose of each fungicide (active ingredient), inoculated with fungal mycelial disc and incubated at 27 °C ± 2 for 7 days on an electric shaker at 100 rpm. All the 14 fungicides significantly suppressed fungal growth resulting in 20 to 90% reduction in fungal biomass over control. Wisdom (fosetyl aluminium) and Treety (tebuconazole) were found to be the most effective in suppressing fresh and dry biomass of the fungus. Therefore, these two fungicides may be utilized to manage tomato wilt pathogen F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici.