Effects of Elicitors on the Growth, Productivity and Health of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Greenhouse Conditions

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in countries like Mexico relies heavily on the use of chemical pesticides, which can be toxic to a host of other organisms including beneficial insects and human consumers. Environment-friendly methods of controlling tomato diseases include agroecological practices, organic fungicides, and biological control. Plants’ resistance against pathogens is induced by applying agents called elicitors to the plants and would lead to disease prevention or reduced severity. The objective of this research was to know the effect of three elicitor; namely, Activane (1.8 g L-1), Micobiol (3 mL L^-1) and Stemicol (2.5 g L^-1) plus a control on the incidence of diseases, vigor, yield and fruit quality of two cultivars of Bola tomato and Saladette in the greenhouse. Elicitors decreased the incidence and severity of presented diseases and increased plant survival. Additionally, the elicitors Micobiol® and Activane® were able to increase plant height, stem diameter, weight and fruit diameter, while Stemicol® considerably increased fruit color, °Brix and pH and Activane® increased titratable acid. In general, elicitors were able to reduce disease, increase plant survival, production and improve fruit quality. These findings provide positive directions for the possible use of these elicitors and induce resistance in plant protection.