ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH AND TOMATO SEEDLING VIGOR USING VERMICOMPOST EXTRACTS IN Fusarium-INFESTED SOILS

This study examined the effects of four vermicompost extracts; farmyard manure vermicompost extract (FAVCE), neem leaves vermicompost extract (NEVCE), cow dung vermicompost extract (COVCE), and vegetable waste vermicompost extract (VEVCE), on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seed germination, seedling growth, and soil microbial activity under Fusarium-infested soils. A 21-day screen-house experiment was conducted to assess germination percentage, shoot and root elongation, seedling vigor index, and microbial colony-forming units (CFU g⁻¹) in comparison with an untreated Fusarium-infected control (UNASO). Results revealed that vermicompost applications significantly improved all growth and microbial parameters relative to the control. Neem-based vermicompost (NEVCE) recorded the highest germination rate (74.3% at 21 DAP) and the lowest Fusarium wilt incidence (34.7%), suggesting strong antifungal potential. Cow dung vermicompost (COVCE) produced the most vigorous seedlings (vigor index: 733.0) and promoted the highest microbial population (4.8 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹), indicating enhanced nutrient–microbe interactions. In contrast, the untreated Fusarium control exhibited the poorest performance (germination: 61.0%; microbial count: 2.0 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹). Farmyard manure (FAVCE) and vegetable waste vermicompost (VEVCE) also improved growth traits, though to a lesser extent. These findings demonstrate that vermicompost, particularly NEVCE and COVCE, can effectively suppress soil-borne pathogens and enhance tomato vigor, thereby providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic inputs. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of organic amendments in promoting sustainable tomato production and improving soil health, while offering evidence-based recommendations for managing Fusarium-affected soils in tomato growing regions.