Physiological Studies of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causing Tomato Fusarium Wilt

Author: Sushila Choudhary, R.K. Bagri, Dilip Kumar Chaurasiya, Vishnu Moond and Rekha Choudhary

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Abstract

Tomato wilt, incited by F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersiciis an important disease of tomato vegetable and causes economic yield loss for tomato growers. The challenges posed by Fusarium wilt in tomato production are significant, as the disease can lead to reduced yields and pathogen ability to survive in soil and plant debris for extended periods makes management difficult. In present investigation wilt infected tomato roots were collected from Research Farm of RARI, Durgapura and pathogen was isolated, purified and identified with cultural and morphological behavior as per described by Sacc. Synder and Hansen, further confirmed by Indian Type Culture Collection, New Delhi and confirmed as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. To better understand the physiological activities of the pathogen, we investigated the effects of temperature, hydrogen ion concentration, and relative humidity on its growth and sporulation. We found that the maximum mycelial growth (88.51mm) and excellent sporulation were obtained at 25ºC temperature, while the maximum mycelial weight (272 mg) and excellent sporulation were recorded at a pH of 6.5. Additionally, we found that the growth of mycelial (89.10mm) with abundant sporulation was recorded at 90 percent relative humidity.

Keywords

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Tomato, Physiological activities, Growth and Sporulation

Conclusion

This study examined sporulation and growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici under different temperature, pH, and relative humidity conditions. Results showed that the fungus was able to grow at a temperature range of 15-35°C, with maximum growth and sporulation observed at 25-30°C. The fungus showed maximum dry mycelial weight at pH 7.0 and maximum sporulation at pH 6.5. The highest growth and abundant sporulation were seen at 90-100% relative humidity. The results were in agreement with previous studies that also found that the ideal conditions for growth and reproduction of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici were between 25-30°C and slightly acidic pH levels, with high relative humidity. Overall, this study sheds light on the physiological behavior of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, providing insights that may be useful in developing more effective control measures.

References

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How to cite this article

Sushila Choudhary, R.K. Bagri, Dilip Kumar Chaurasiya, Vishnu Moond and Rekha Choudhary (2023). Physiological Studies of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causing Tomato Fusarium Wilt. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(1): 582-587.