Understanding Beneficial Bacteria for Control of Tomato Fusarium Wilt

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops cultivated worldwide. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is one of the most important and widespread disease of tomato and poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity. This soil-borne pathogen can persist in the soil for long periods, making its management particularly challenging. Utilizing advantageous microorganisms has recently become popular as a promising biocontrol strategy against Fusarium wilt. Beneficial rhizobacteria such as Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Bacillus species have shown potential in inhibiting the spread of Fusarium, strengthening plant defenses, and encouraging plant development. These bacteria act through multiple mechanism, including antibiotic production, the development of plant systemic resistance, and competition for essential resources. Integrating these microbial agents into existing disease-management strategies provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional chemical controls. This review examines the mechanisms by which beneficial bacteria suppress Fusarium wilt, outlines the challenges associated with implementing biocontrol approaches in agricultural systems, and highlights future research directions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of bacterial agents in tomato production. Keywords: Fusarium wilt, biocontrol agents, disease cycle, rhizobacteria, systemic resistance, microbial agents.