Biochemical Characterization and Management of Tomato Stem Rot with Boron and Plant Biocides

Current study was conducted for biochemical characterization of pathogen of tomato stem rot and to evaluate the effect of different doses of boron, plant extracts and a bactericide in different combinations on tomato plants. This research study was performed at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar- Pakistan. Different biochemical tests were conducted to confirm stem rot pathogen. Boron was applied at the rates of 1.97, 2.96 and 3.95 g seedbed^-1. Plant extracts were neem (Azadirachta indica) and ghwaraskay (Dodonaea viscosa). Morphological traits such as plant height, maximum number of fruits plant^-1 and yield were observed and severity of disease was investigated for supplement efficacy. The biochemical results obtained were all positive, which confirmed stem rot pathogen as Erwinia carotovora sub spp. chrysanthemi (gram-negative bacteria). Highest plant height (75.3 cm) and maximum number of fruits plant^-1 (14.3) were recorded with A. indica when applied at 15ml L^-1 along with highest dose of boron at 3.95 g seedbed^-1. The severity was observed 0.0% in supplement of boron of high dose with addition to neem extract and bactericide. Maximum yield (106.7 tons ha^-1) was recorded with A. indica at the rate of 15ml L^-1 and boron at the rate of 3.95 g seedbed^-1. It was concluded from this study that boron is beneficial at high dose (3.95 g seedbed^-1) along with neem extract for controlling the disease severity and enhancing yield of tomato.