Effect of Fusarium oxysporum on the disease development, growth and fruit yield of tomato cv. K-25

Studies were made to determine the effect of different initial inoculum levels (Pi) [0, 2.5 x106, 5.0 x106, 7.5 x106, 107, 1.25 x107, 1.5 x106 cfu/5 kg soil] of Fusarium oxysporum on the disease development, plant growth and fruit yield of tomato cv. K-25 under pot conditions. Results indicated that highest reduction in number of fruits, fruit yield, shoot-root fresh and dry weights was 39.6, 50.0, 37.1, 35.5, 40.3 and 38.3%, respectively at highest Pi of 1.5x107 cfu/5 kg soil as compared to uninoculated control. Analyses of data indicated that significant reduction (P < 0.05) in number of fruits, fruit yield, shoot-root fresh and dry weights was obtained at 5.0x106 cfu/5 kg soil. However, Fruit yield and plant dry weight was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced at lowest Pi (2.5x106 cfu/5 kg soil). Infection in roots was observed between 4.5% to 50.5% at Pi 2.5x106 to 1.5x107 cfu/5 kg.