Control of root-knot nematodes and Fusarium wilt of tomatoes by soil fumigation

Abstract

In Cyprus, root-knot nematodes and Fusarium wilt frequently cause considerable yield losses of tomato. Some growers practice crop rotation or summer fallowing to combat the pathogens. Others switch periodically to previously uncropped land but this method faces ever increasing costs and is becoming less profitable. Recently in other countries soil disinfestation with pesticides of broad spectrum activity have been used with varying success (Brodie et al., 1968). The work described here compares the effect of such pesticides with those regarded as having only nematicidal action on the control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum (Schlecht) f. sp. lycopersici in tomato crops grown in the field.