Diseases

Tomato root rot

Solanum lycopersicum L.

A complex of fungal and bacterial diseases affecting the root system and the root zone of tomato plants, leading to root decay, wilting, and plant stunting.

In the reference 72 varieties crop Tomato, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogens causing the disease are members of the soil microflora, with the primary roles played by fungi of the genera Fusarium (including specialized formae speciales), Pyrenochaeta, which causes corky root rot, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Thielaviopsis, as well as a number of bacterial species of the genera Pseudomonas and Erwinia.

Symptoms of infection involve both the underground and above-ground parts of the plant. Roots turn brown or tan, lose turgor, and decay, while a constriction often forms in the root zone, known as 'damping-off' or 'black leg'. Secondary symptoms manifest as yellowing of the lower leaves, stunted growth, and wilting, which is particularly critical during the active fruiting period.

Breeding for resistance relies on the introgression of specific genes and the use of molecular markers. While the I-1, I-2, and I-3 genes are used for Fusarium wilt, markers such as Mi1.2 are utilized to control root rots and associated nematodes, alongside the search for QTL loci that interact with pathogen effector genes.

General information about the subject — on the page Root rots.

Sources8

Varieties of Tomato mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.