Single and mixed infection effects of <i>Fusaruim oxysporum</i> (Schlecht) Hansen & Synder and <i>Meloidogyne javanica</i> (Treub) Chitwood on the growth components of susceptible and resistant tomato plants

Abstract

Single and mixed infection of Meloidogyne javanica and Fusarium oxysporum on growth of susceptible and resistant tomato plants were investigated in pot experiments. The experiments were arranged in completely randomised design with 5 replications. Pie-pan technique was used for nematode extraction and the fungus was obtained from root rhizosphere soil. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA. Results showed that single and mixed infections significantly reduced some growth components of the susceptible tomato. However, combined effects were not significantly different from that inflicted by either of the pathogens. Gall rating indicated no significant differences among single and mixed infections, although successive inoculation where fungus preceded that by nematode significantly reduced number of galls. For resistant tomato, single and combined infections did not impact significantly on the growth parameters except for shoot length, root length and dry weight. Number of galls showed significant differences in this order of decreasing magnitude N or N+F or N+f, F+n and C at p ≤ 0.05. In both susceptible and resistant tomato, simultaneous infections caused the most reduction in the growth components and number of galls. That resistant tomato was not adversely impacted in single and combined infections underscores the need for its use in tomato production for improved yield