Eco-friendly biopesticides for sustainable tomato disease management
Evaluation of EU-approved biofungicides and biovirucides (Clonostachys rosea, Verticillium albo-atrum, Bacillus subtilis, PepMV CH2-1906, lecithins, clove oil) against major tomato pathogens including Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria spp., and emerging viruses ToLCNDV and ToBRFV, reducing chemical inputs and supporting sustainable plant protection.
Overview
This research addresses the urgent need for sustainable plant protection in tomato cultivation by evaluating EU-approved biopesticides against some of the most devastating fungal and viral pathogens affecting tomato crops. The work targets Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria spp., Verticillium albo-atrum, Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), and Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), with the goal of reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. Prior evidence in related pathosystems has shown 35–70% disease reduction using similar biocontrol agents, suggesting strong potential for effective, eco-friendly disease management in tomato production.
Technical specifications
Biocontrol agents under evaluation:
- Clonostachys rosea J1446 – fungal biocontrol agent with established activity against soil-borne pathogens
- Verticillium albo-atrum WCS850 – fungal isolate used as a cross-protection agent
- Bacillus subtilis IAB/BS03 – bacterial antagonist with broad-spectrum antifungal activity
- Pepino mosaic virus CH2-1906 (PepMV) – mild viral strain used for cross-protection against viral infections
- Lecithins – natural lipid-based formulations with antiviral and antifungal properties
- Clove oil – plant-derived essential oil with documented antiviral and antifungal efficacy
Validation approach:
- In vitro dual culture assays to screen biofungicide concentrations against culturable pathogens
- In vivo greenhouse trials using randomized block designs with varying concentrations and application timings
- Assessment of disease index alongside plant parameters such as germination rate and biomass
- Comparative evaluation of antifungal and antiviral agents, with lecithins and clove oil tested across both pathogen groups
Technology readiness level
The biopesticides evaluated are already approved for use in the EU, and the underlying biocontrol mechanisms have been validated in related tomato pathosystems with demonstrated efficacy. Current work is at the applied research and validation stage, with in vitro screening and greenhouse in vivo assays completed. Future validation will expand testing to additional Alternaria species and confirm performance under broader greenhouse conditions, advancing toward field-ready integrated pest management recommendations for tomato growers.
About National Research Council
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) is Italy’s national public research organization, a large multi‑disciplinary network of institutes distributed across the country and coordinated from Rome. Its model places researchers in regional campuses and co‑located laboratories next to universities, hospitals, and industry, enabling rapid collaboration and access to shared core facilities, testbeds, and prototyping. Companies engage through framework agreements, contract research, joint labs, and researcher secondments, with dedicated liaison staff to streamline engagements. Research is supported by competitive funding from the European Commission, Italian national ministries, and regional programs. A technology transfer office advances IP protection, licensing, and spin‑out formation.
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