Field evaluation of compost extracts for suppression of Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum F. sp. lycopersici

Abstract Field experiment was conducted at Research and Training Farm of Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa, in the 2008 to 2009 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effect of compost extracts in suppressing Fusarium wilt on three tomato varieties. The treatments consisted of three compost extracts: poultry manure-based compost extract (PMCE), neem leaf-based compost extract (NLCE), cow dung-based compost extract (CDCE), a synthetic fungicide (TEAM®) and sterile distilled water serving as the control; and three tomato varieties (Roma VF, Duck Sekarat and UC 82B). The results showed that all tomato varieties were infected by the pathogen, but Roma VF was the least infected. Disease incidence and severity was significantly (P≤0.05) lower on tomato plants treated with the respective compost extract than on untreated plants. TEAM® was only effective at the early stages of infection compared to the various extracts which were effective starting from 6 – 7 weeks after transplanting till harvesting. However, poultry and cow dung based- compost extracts were the most effective in reducing incidence and severity of the disease. Higher yields were obtained with the application of PMCE (3.2 t ha-1) and CDCE (3.0 t ha-1) in comparism with other treatments. It is therefore recommended that farmers should use Roma VF and soil drenching with PMCE and/or CDCE in an integrated pest management package in the control of Fusarium wilt of tomato.