Comparative Assessment of Jaubertia Aucheri, Azadirachta Indica, and Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extracts in Vitro and in Vivo for The Control of Fusarium Wilt in Tomatoes Induced by Fusarium Oxysporum. F. Sp. Lycopersici in Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the principal soil-borne diseases affecting tomato crops worldwide especially in Balochistan, Pakistan. Concerns about the resistance and toxicity of synthetic fungicides have prompted interest in botanical alternatives. In a field study conducted in Mastung, Washuk and Pashin districts, where 17% and 31.7% disease incidence were reported from 300 plants, this research assessed the antifungal efficacy of Jaubertia aucheri in conjunction with Azadirachta indica (neem) and Eucalyptus spp. . Fifteen FOL isolates were isolated and confirmed to infect the susceptible tomato cultivar, ‘Pusa Ruby’ to varied levels of severity. The methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts were studied in vitro at 3-9% concentrations and methanol extracts showed an average of 17-18 percentage points better performance than water extracts (p < 0.0001). The growth inhibition percentage (PGI) of methanolic extracts at 9% dose was 80.2% for A. indica, 76.1% for J. aucheri and 71.3% for Eucalyptus spp. The PGI of synthetic fungicide carbendazim was 88.5%. All herbal remedies under greenhouse circumstances significantly decreased the severity of the illness and enhanced the shoot height, root length and total plant biomass compared to the control (p <0.05). The protection rates of A. indica and Eucalyptus globulus were 87.99% and 88.48% respectively, very near to the efficacy of carbendazim (94.36%), whilst J. aucheri exhibited a protection rate of 84.07%. The results demonstrate the antifungal activity of J. aucheri against FOL and support the use of these plant-based medicines in long-term management strategies for Fusarium wilt in resource-limited agricultural settings.