A NEW METHOD TO CONTROL VASCULAR WILT OF TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM) CAUSED BY FUSARIUM SP. THROUGH APPLICATION OF PIPER BETLE L. LEAF EXTRACT BASED HERBAL FORMULATION

摘要

Fusarium wilt is a serious disease of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Searching of plant derived fungicides is one of the novel approaches for replacement of harmful synthetics with safer botanicals. A new method for controlling vascular wilt of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) caused by Fusarium sp. has been developed which comprises bioactive compounds from leaf extracts of Piper betle L. This herbal formulation is very effective in controlling the disease in field conditions in both seedlings as well as through seeds. Thus, it may serve as a better alternative for control of Fusarium wilt of tomato, which is environmentally safe and non-toxic to the host plant as well as for human consumption.