Effect of Field Treatment with Selected Soil Amendments on Bacterial Wilt Incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the effect of field treatment with selected soil amendments on bacterial wilt incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes.  Study Design:  The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons in the field. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the experimental plots at KARLO- NARL, Kabete Nairobi County between July, 2017- September, 2017 and between November, 2017- January, 2018. Methodology: The three choice crops of interest (potatoes, tomatoes and capsicum) were inoculated with prepared pure bacterial isolates; 18 (2T-Kiambu-Low Land), 71(2A-Nyeri-Low Land), 67 (2A-Nyeri-High Land), 83 (2T-Kirinyaga-Highland) and MX (18/71/67/83). A plot measuring 66 m by 28.5 m was marked, cleared, ploughed, harrowed and demarcated into 150 plots each measuring 2.4 m x 3.75 m. Spacing of the host crops of interest: potato - (Tigoni variety), tomato (Caj variety) and capsicum (Califonia Wonder) was carried out at 75 cm between the rows and 30 cm within the rows. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer + Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium & Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissues, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel, Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer and Control (no amendments). Results: Significant differences (P≤0.05) were revealed in the bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes between control and all the soil amendments used in season 1 and 2 in the five R. solanacearum isolate from Kenyan highlands and lowlands. The Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer was superior in reducing bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes in the field in all the R. solanacearum isolates from Kenyan highlands and lowlands both in season 1 and 2. Conclusion: The findings showed that organic and inorganic soil amendments could serve as a viable control of bacterial wilt in solanaceous crops caused by R. solanacearum in the field. We recommend the use of Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer soil amendment in the control of bacterial wilt incidences in the field on solanaceous crops.