Integrated Management of Fusarium diseases in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable inBurkina Faso. Grown for local consumption and for export to neighboring countries,the tomato significantly contributes to food and nutrition security. However, poor soilfertility and disease are significant constraints to tomato production. Indeed, croplosses can be very high due to Fusarium disease, which negatively affects crop yieldsand farmers’ incomes. An agro-ecological approach has been adopted to control thisdisease and ensure sustainable tomato production. A two-year experiment wasconducted using a Split-plot design with four replications to assess a productionsystem combining two factors: (1) biofertilizers to restore soil fertility and (2)biopesticides to biocontrol fungal diseases, particularly fusariosis. Biofertilizerefficacy was compared with that of NPK, which is a chemical fertilizer. Across thetreatments (compost, bokashi, and essential oil formulations), results showed asignificant reduction of the fungus's impact. The average disease score of 1.5 observedwith application of biofertilizers was significantly lower than the control score of 4.25.Results also indicate a higher average yield of 16.16 t/hawith compost, achievedthrough effective control of Fusarium diseases using biological control agents. Incontrast, NPK fertilizers, which provide nutrients for growth but do not addressFusarium pressure, have a significantly reduced yield of 13.87 t/ha when compared tobiofertilizers. Finally, the R2 (0.75) proves that our work could be used for healthy,sustainable tomato production