Kamgar, A. & Ketabchi, S. (2023). The effect of three biofertilizers on growth indices of tomato and severity of bacterial wilt disease. Plant Pathology Science 12(1), 105-112.
Introduction: Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the major diseases of tomato in the world. Today, new methods based on the use of biological products for the management of plant diseases have been considered to reduce the consumption of chemical toxins and damage to the environment, to provide an organic product for consumers. Materials and Methods: The effect of three biofertilizers: Nitro Kara (containing several nitrogen-fixing bacteria), effective microorganisms (EM®: containing several species of yeasts and bacteria), and compost on tomato growth indices and severity of bacterial wilt disease were evaluated in a completely randomized design in greenhouse conditions. Results: Analysis of variance showed that, these three bio-fertilizers had significant effect on increasing tomato growth indices, but did not significantly reduce the disease severity. Compost among them had the greatest effect on tomato growth indices even in the presence of the pathogen. Conclusion: Compost can be considered as an improvement factor for tomato growth indices in the management program of bacterial wilt disease.
The management of plant diseases using eco-friendly approaches has gained particular importance in sustainable agriculture for reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Vermicompost and its derivatives, including vermicompost tea and vermiwash, improve soil health and plant growth through bioactive compounds derived from earthworms and large populations of beneficial microorganisms, which effectively suppress plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. Research evidence has demonstrated that these products can reduce the severity of diseases such as Fusarium wilt, bacterial canker, and root-knot nematodes while enhancing seedling growth parameters. The quality of vermicompost and its derivatives is influenced by factors such as raw materials, degree of maturation, and production methods; appropriate selection of these factors enhances their efficacy in pathogen control. The synergistic benefits of bioactive compounds and beneficial microbiota make vermicompost an effective tool for reducing chemical pesticide use and increasing agricultural productivity. Expanding production, farmer education, and supportive policies can further strengthen the role of these products in promoting sustainable agriculture by providing a practical strategy to improve plant health, mitigate diseases, and protect the environment.
