Integrated Management of Damping-Off in Tomato Seedling Caused by Soil-Borne Fungi and Oomycetes Under Protected Cultivation Systems

Damping-off disease represents a major constraint in greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, being primarily caused by soil-borne fungi and oomycetes whose persistence is intensified by intensive cultivation practices. This review synthesizes current knowledge on integrated disease management strategies targeting these pathogens in protected cropping systems. Cultural practices (e.g., substrate sanitation and irrigation control), physical and chemical soil disinfestation, deployment of resistant cultivars, and biological control agents (e.g., Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas) are critically evaluated. Available evidence indicates that integrated approaches consistently reduce pathogen inoculum, limit infection processes, and enhance seedling establishment and vigor, thereby outperforming single-method interventions. Synergistic interactions among practices strengthen rhizosphere resilience and contribute to sustained soil health. Overall, integrated disease management offers an effective and environmentally sound framework to mitigate damping-off, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and ensure stable tomato production in protected cultivation systems.