Effect of Combining Plant Extracts on Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici) in Tomato

Background and Objective: Tomato production is significantly impacted by Fusarium wilt, a disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. Traditional chemical controls for this disease often face limitations, prompting the exploration of plant-based alternatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of neem leaves, bamboo leaves, and rice husk extracts, individually and in combination, against Fusarium wilt. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted at I.A.R and T. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan in 2022, tested plant extracts at 2.47, 7.29, and 12.90% concentrations for pathogen inhibition. A 2×3 factorial design was used for the screenhouse trial; 50 mL was applied per treatment. The tomato variety was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data collected on disease incidence and severity with the agronomic traits were subjected to Analysis of Variance and means of significant treatments were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p<0.05. Results: It showed all treatments inhibited pathogen growth, with neem leaf extract being the most effective (0.94 cm), followed by neem and rice husk (0.78 cm). The chemical control had 0.30 cm growth at 12.90% concentration. In the screen house trial, bamboo leaf extract was most effective in reducing disease impact in vitro, but the combined treatments had no significant effect on plant growth. The Ibadan local tomato variety responded best to individual neem and bamboo leaf extracts with improved plant height, flowers, and fruit production. Conclusion: The study concludes that neem and bamboo leaf extracts, when used separately, can effectively control Fusarium wilt both in laboratory and field conditions.