Effects of timing and method of application of Penicillium oxalicum on efficacy and duration of control of Fusarium wilt of tomato

The effects of timing and method of application of Penicillium oxalicum on the control of fusarium wilt of tomato were investigated. Application of P. oxalicum to tomato seedlings in seedbeds reduced disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici in a growth chamber by 45–49% and in glasshouse experiments by 22–69%. Disease suppression was maintained for 60–100 days after inoculation with the pathogen in the glasshouse. No disease reduction was observed in tomato plants where P. oxalicum was applied to seeds. Treatment with P. oxalicum did not affect the population of F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici in the rhizosphere.