Evaluation of Different Tomato Varieties Cultivated In East-Azerbayjan Province for Resistance to the Race 1 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici

Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici is one the most importantdiseases of this plant all over the world and also in Iran. Application of resistant varieties, fungal and bacterial antagonists and long term crop rotation are Principal strategies for the management of this disease.Due to the lack of comprehensive and accurate information about the reaction of different tomato cultivars against Fusarium wilt disease, the current research was conducted for evaluationof resistance in nine prevalent tomato varieties in Iran. Response was assessed by determining disease index, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots, diameter and length of stems. Based on percent disease index and AUDPC, Walter and Primo Early were determined as immune and very susceptible cultivars respectively and others including Falat, King Star, Monalisa, Petopride5, Super Chef, Super Stone and Super Strain b were susceptible or moderately susceptible against disease. Disease index, AUDPC, dry weights of and shoots, fresh weights of roots and shoots, diameter and length of stems in all of the cultivars except Walter, showed significant difference (at p< 0.01) between inoculated and control plants. Because of least amount of disease severity and AUDPC in Super Strain b, Super Chef and Falat, among nine evaluated tomato varieties, they can be recommended to farmers for better disease management.