Induction of defence related enzymes and biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum in tomato plants infected with Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani

Fusarium wilt of tomato plants caused by oxysporum Schlecht. emend. Snyder & Hansen and solani (Mart.) Sacc. are serious problem limiting production worldwide. Biological control has emerged as one the most promising alternatives to chemical fungicides. The biological capability a T. harzianum isolate against F. been investigated. It inhibited colony growth two species more than 80 % in dual culture tests. Results greenhouse experiments revealed that disease severity co-inoculated with was significantly lower only infected pathogens. Tomato inoculated antagonistic isolate, showed enhanced peroxidase polyphenol oxidase activities increased resistance oxysporum. indirectly affected pathogens enhancing plant defence.