Abstract

Fusarium wilt of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucmerinum (FOC) significantly threatens cucumber’s production in Pakistan. A field survey for disease monitoring across four districts of Punjab revealed higher infection levels with disease prevalence ranging from 68 to 78% and incidence from 65 to 75%. Pathogen identification confirmed Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucmerinum through morphological characterization and molecular analysis (ITS sequencing). A two-phased management approach for its control including initial in vitro screening of six fungicides, two Trichoderma species as biocontrol agents, and a vermicompost with varying rates as soil amendment were adopted. Afterwards, the most effective treatment combination was applied as integrated disease management strategy. Results highlighted Tilt (propiconazole) and topsin-M (thiophanate-methyl) as the most effective chemicals showing full mycelial growth inhibition at 500 and 1000 ppm levels, respectively. Trichoderma harzianum outperformed T. viride in disease suppression. Greenhouse results also demonstrated the best performance by combining T. harzianum, vermicompost (0.5%), and propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl fungicides, which significantly reduced disease incidence to 10–11% compared to individual treatments (15–18%) and untreated control (100%), achieving up to 90% disease reduction.