Title: Phytopathogenicity and control of Emmia lacerata FMIB29 on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is constantly threatened by wide array of mycopathogens. Emmia lacerata has been investigated as an endophyte, a saprophyte, a respiratory pathogen, and presently, as a soil-borne mycopathogen of tomato. The disease caused by E. lacerata FMIB29 in tomato was characterised through phenotypic assessment and controlled with antifungal plant extracts, using soil amendment assay (0.2 g/plant). Pathogenesis of E. lacerata on tomato ranged from mild chlorosis to severe stunt, or plant death. The highest leaf number, plant height, and disease severity reduction of 17.33 cm, 39.00 and 43.80%, respectively were recorded on G. arborea treated plants. Aqueous extracts of these inhibitory plants are accessible, and could be further studied for their biocontrol potentials against mycopathogens like E. lacerata. This will encourage tomato production and prevent pathogen transfer to humans; essentially, to avoid complications in individuals suffering from COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.