Identification of Ralstonia solanacearum resistant solanum plants as potential rootstock to manage bacterial wilt disease in tomato production

Using morphological and molecular markers, this study screened tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum) and garden egg ( Solanum melongena) accessions for resistance to bacterial wilt disease. The solanum plants were inoculated with Ralstonia solanacearum and evaluated for disease incidence and severity in a field trial set up in a Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications. Molecular markers conferring resistance to R. solanacearum Phylotype I and II were used to identify durable and partial resistance. Results showed significant variation in disease incidence and severity among accessions, with tomato accessions exhibiting higher susceptibility. Accession CRI-01 had the highest disease incidence (54.0%), while accession GD had the lowest (13.0%). Accession CRI-04 showed moderate resistance with a disease severity index of 0.37, while accession GC had the highest disease severity index (0.90). Accession L_020 demonstrated moderate resistance in the field (43.0% disease incidence) and possessed durable resistant genes, making it a promising rootstock for managing bacterial wilt disease in tomato production. This research contributes to the development of integrated pest management strategies for sustainable tomato production.