Induction of resistance in tomato against Sclerotium rolfsii by application of seaweed extract and chemical compounds

Abstract

Southern blight of tomato caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a destructive disease and the efficacy of current strategies for managing the disease is limited and alternative disease management methods are needed. Trials were conducted to assess the induction of plant defense responses in tomato by using seaweed extract (SW), mandipropamid, thiamethoxam and sulfur. Southern blight disease severity and plant growth parameters along with levels of defense related enzymes, proline and chlorophyll contents were assessed. Results showed that elicitors application significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced mycelial growth and disease severity along with enhancement of plant growth parameters. Application of elicitors triggered multiple antioxidant enzymatic responses including SOD, POD, CAT, proline content and chlorophyll content, which might have contributed to the enhancement of plant defense against S. rolfsii. The results suggested that elicitors could be applied along with other fungicides to reduce the usage of chemical fungicides and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.