Evaluation of Biocontrol Efficacy of Herbal and Bioformulations against Root Rot Pathogen Fusarium Solani in Tomato

Background/Objectives: Fusarium solani cause various plant diseases that usually weaken or destroy plant tissues and reduce crop yields varying from 30-40% and root diseases are estimated to cause 10-15% yield losses annually in the world Soil borne pathogen Fusarium solani which causes root rot at the seedling stage itself leading to wide loss of the crop. Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) is one of the most versatile vegetable with wide usage in Indian culinary tradition. Since the use of chemical fungicides cause environmental pollution and adverse effect on human health, there is need to shift to biological control. Methods: Bacterial isolates were obtained from forest nursery soil samples and screened against F. solani. Of which one isolate showed promising efficacy against the pathogen. Preparation of oil based liquid bioformulation using glycerol, coconut oil and culture filtrate of biocontrol agent and herbal formulation using neem, garlic, ginger and clove blended together with water in the ratio 1:2 showed inhibitory effect on F.solani. Findings: Biocontrol agent was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Bacillus velezensis FZB42. Tomato seeds were coated with Gum Arabic as adhesive along with liquid bioformulation and herbal formulation showed great inhibitory effect against the F. solani in invitro conditions, increased the germination percentage of seeds and also the germination was faster when compared with the control. Applications: Technology transfer of application of this formulation to the farmers will be initiated which will help them to raise the seedlings in an ecofriendly method.