Study the environment-friendly control methods of soil borne diseases (Fusarium and nematode) of cucumber and tomato using the cruciferous plant

The role of soil solarization and biofumigation on Fusarium and nematode diseases of cucumber and tomato was investigated in this study. Appropriate antifungal and nematicidal biofumigant were selected by in vitro screening of 5 cultivated crops (Mustard, cauliflower, cabbage, radish and broccoli), and 5 weeds (Eruca sativa, Nasturium sp., Lepidium sp., Diplotaxa sp. and SisymbriumirioL.) against Fusarium oxysporum and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). Broccoli leaf extract was found to be the most effective in inhibiting mycelia growth of F. oxysorrium. While, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli were found to have the most nematicidal activity against M. incognita, respectively. Biofumigation with brassicaceous green manures for controlling F. oxysporium and root knot nematode on cucumber was evaluated under field conditions during two subsequent growing seasons in Al-Baq'a and Al-Karama area. Results indicated that using brassica residues significantly reduced the root galling index in both locations. Also, results showed a significant increase in the yield when the brassica residues were used. Moreover, using residues of cabbage and cauliflower were as effective as Vydate in reducing nematode infection and significantly reduced the gall index. Using brassica residues exhibit a significant reduction in the incidence of infestation of F. oxysporum at Al-Karama area. In another experiment soil solarization and biofumigant were applied alone or in combination to be evaluated to manage the soil borne disease of cucumber in the field. Among the different treatments, combined application of soil solarization and biofumigation was appeared to be superior in a significant reduction in root galling and disease incidence of F. oxysporum compared with solarization alone or only biofumigation, also using biofumigation with solarization resulted in a significant increase in the yield compared with the other treatments.