Eco-friendly management of Fusarium wilt in tomato using Salvia officinalis methanolic extract: in vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking approaches

Abstract Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici , threatens global tomato production, with losses reaching 80%. Although chemical fungicides are effective, their prolonged use risks resistant strains, reduces soil biodiversity, and causes environmental damage, highlighting the urgent need for ecofriendly alternatives. This study investigated the viability of Salvia officinalis (sage) methanolic extract as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium wilt (FW), employing a comprehensive approach that incorporates in vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking techniques. Four distinct isolates of F. oxysporum were identified through molecular techniques, and their virulence was assessed by examining the presence of tomatinase genes. The antifungal properties of S. officinalis extract were found to be compelling, with a total phenolic content of 64.15 mg GAE/g and a remarkable antioxidant activity of 97.04%. In laboratory tests, S. officinalis exhibited potent antifungal activity, inhibiting mycelial growth by between 52.00% and 88.67% at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity in treated tomato plants. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between key phytochemicals in the extract and target receptors such as tomatinase, highlighting the potential of the extract as a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical fungicides for managing FW in tomato crops.