THE EFFECT OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUMf.sp. LYCOPERSICIMETABOLITES ON DROUGHT STRESS TOMATOPLANTS.

Abstract

Tomatoes are one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables on the planet. The effect of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) metabolite on tomato, onthe other hand, is a major challenge, especially during drought. Though, muchresearch has been done on tomato plant growth, however, the impact of FOLmetabolite on tomato seed germination has been overlooked, particularly whentomato seeds encounter dry condition. The effect of FOL metabolite on tomatoseedgermination under drought stress is investigated in this study using blotter techniquesmethod. FOL metabolite and PEG-induced drought stress were evaluated individuallyand in combination on germination of tomato seeds. The results revealed that PEGinduced drought stress enhanced the effect of FOL metabolite on sensitive tomatocultivars more, in comparison to drought stress tolerant tomato cultivars that wereslightly affected by FOL metabolites. Finally, the FOL metabolite had a high harmful effect on tomato seeds germination, especially when subjected to drought stress.