Assessment of different tomato varieties and chemotherapeutic compounds for controlling root rot disease caused by rhizoctonia solani

Solanum lycopersicum L., commonly known as tomato, is a vital vegetable crop with significant nutritional value but is susceptible to various pathogens causing diseases. Among all of these, Rhizoctonia solani-induced root rot is a highly destructive disease affecting tomato production and quality. This study aimed to identify resistant tomato varieties and effective chemical strategies for root rot management. Ten tomato varieties and advanced lines were evaluated under field conditions, and disease incidence was recorded. Nadir (11.80%) and Sundar (18.43%) exhibited resistance with the lowest disease incidence, while To-1057 f1 (25.87%), Ahmar (32.13%), and Litth-879-2 f3 (36.77%) showed moderate resistance. Moderately susceptible varieties included Rio-grandi (40.67%), Salar (47.90%), and Naqeeb (52.83%), while FS-2187 (75.90%) and Litth-861-4-17 (80.93%) were susceptible and highly susceptible, respectively. Additionally, six fungicides were tested under in-vitro and greenhouse conditions, with Dolomite, Nativo, and Evicine exhibiting the best performance. Further evaluation of these fungicides in field conditions confirmed Evicine effectiveness in reducing disease incidence. These findings emphasize the need for future research and development of resistant tomato cultivars and recommend the use of Evicine as an effective treatment against Rhizoctonia solani for disease management.