EFFECT OF COMPOST APPLICATION ON TOMATO ROOT EXUDATES AND SUPPRESSION OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. LYCOPERSICI (FOL)

Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is one of the major biotic stress factor damaging tomato productivity worldwide. Organic amendments such as compost has the ability to suppress soil borne pathogens. Compost originated from the domestic waste material (20% and 40%) were used to assess its effect on tomato growth and Fol tomato plants. Disease incidence was reasonably less in tomato plants growing at 20% compost as compared to plants with 40% compost. Spore germination was less in Fol treated plant root exudates as compared to non-treated except where 40% compost was used as growing medium. Changing the growing conditions has influenced the root exudates. Tomato plants grown on 40% compost showed significantly enhanced tomato growth and yield. Compost application in the potting mixture suppresses Fol and found to be effective when used as fertilizers. The better growth and yield of tomato can be achieved by using compost together with the inorganic fertilizer used in getting good growth and yield of tomatoes.