Effects of phenolics on growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici in vitro

Crown and root rot of tomato, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici, is amenable to allelopathic biocontrol by intercropping host plants with lettuce or dandelion (tribe Lactuceae). Inhibition of growth of the pathogen by phenolic compounds may be part of the allelopathic biocontrol mechanism. In repeated tests in vitro with caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and catechol, the growth of F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici was inhibited. Catechol and 0.04 M ferulic acid were toxic to the fungus, while 0.02 M caffeic acid and 0.01 M ferulic acid reduced growth.