Mountain Top University Library

Tomatoes are one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables on the planet. The effect of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) metabolite on tomato, on
the other hand, is a major challenge, especially during drought. Though, much
research has been done on tomato plant growth, however, the impact of FOL
metabolite on tomato seed germination has been overlooked, particularly when
tomato seeds encounter dry condition. The effect of FOL metabolite on tomato seed
germination under drought stress is investigated in this study using blotter techniques
method. FOL metabolite and PEG-induced drought stress were evaluated individually
and in combination on germination of tomato seeds. The results revealed that PEGinduced drought stress enhanced the effect of FOL metabolite on sensitive tomato
cultivars more, in comparison to drought stress tolerant tomato cultivars that were
slightly affected by FOL metabolites. Finally, the FOL metabolite had a high harmful
effect on tomato seeds germination, especially when subjected to drought stress.