EFFECT OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM f.sp. LYCOPERSICI ON DROUGHT STRESS TOLERANT TOMATO

Abstract

Tomatoes are one of the most extensively produced vegetables globally and mostly consumed worldwide. However, the effect of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) on tomato is a serious challenge most especially under drought condition. Though, lots of work have been done on tomato plant growth while the effect of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) on tomato seed germination have been relegated to the background most especially under drought condition. This study hereby investigates the effect of FOL on tomato seed germination under drought stress condition. Blotter techniques method was employed to check the effect of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) on tomato seed germination under PEG induced drought stress condition. Observation revealed that FOL inhibited germination of both drought sensitive and stress tolerant tomato cultivars. In addition, the effect of FOL was more on drought sensitive tomato in comparison to tomato that is not resistant to PEG induced drought stress. In conclusion, FOL exhibited high pathogenic effects on the tomato cultivars most especially in the absence of water.