Efficacy of Selected Plant Extracts and Dried Plant Residues in Managing Tomato Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Abstract

Fusarium wilt of tomato, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is a significant global agricultural constraint. The use of chemical pesticides poses environmental and health concerns, necessitating exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of eight plant extracts against F. oxysporum and their effect on disease severity index (DSI) of tomato plants under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Ethanolic extracts of lettuce and cabbage demonstrated the highest antifungal activity, suppressing mycelial growth and reducing disease severity in tomato plants, comparable to the commercial fungicide Benlate. Dried leaf residues of these plants also showed marked reduction in DSI. These findings underscore the potential of lettuce and cabbage extracts as effective and sustainable biological alternatives for managing tomato Fusarium wilt. The use of plant-based products could contribute to reduced chemical pesticide application, promoting environmentally friendly and safe agricultural practices. Further research is needed to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for the antifungal activity and optimize their application.