D. Saritha, M. Rajkumar, R. Sendhilnathan and B. Sunil Kumar
Abstract
A poly bag experiment was conducted to screen brinjal and tomato cultivars against Fusarium wilt to identify resistant rootstocks before grafting of tomato cultivars to increase production. The experiment was conducted with four Brinjal cultivars (Solanum torvum, Manjusree, Utkarsha and kirti) and ten tomato cultivars (US-440, Abhiman, Sahoo, Sweakar, Ayaan, Arka abhed, Arka samrat, Ansar, JK Ratan, Aryaman). Among the brinjal cultivars, Solanum torvum (score 0.00) was found to be highly resistant, Utkarsha (score 6.67) was found to be resistant and among tomato cultivars, US- 440, Abhiman, Sahoo, Sweakar, Ayaan, Arka abhed were identified as susceptible (per cent disease incidence 33.3 to 46.67) to fusarium wilt. Screened susceptible tomato cultivars were used as scions for grafting on resistant Solanum torvum and Utkarsha rootstocks. Results revealed that susceptible tomato cultivars grafted on Solanum torvum and Utkarsha rootstocks showed defence mechanism against Fusarium wilt because the rootstock produces chemicals and enzymes that break down fungal cells and has more lignified cells in its roots resulting in improved tolerance.