Efficacy of Compost Extracts in Controlling Fusarium Wilt of Tomato : Eco-friendly approach for managing tomato wilts incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Tomato is widely cultivated in Nigeria where it has been an important component of the daily diets. It is consumed both fresh and in paste form. The production of the crop is hampered by diseases particularly Fusarium wilt incited by a soil-inhabiting fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The disease is highly destructive and recalcitrant especially in the Savannah ecological zone of the country which is the major tomato producing region.The use of chemical control is highly discouraged as a result of its disastrous effects on the environment. A study, based on the organic and Eco-friendly approach, was conducted at Dadin Kowa in the northern guinea Savannah to test the efficacy of different compost extracts in managing tomato wilt caused by F. oxysporum. The study revealed that extracts of composted poultry manure and cow dung applied as soil drenches reduced incidence and severity of tomato wilts. The extracts could therefore, be used as a component of an integrated approach in managing Fusarium wilt disease.