Development of eco-friendly fungicides for the management of soil borne fungal diseases of vegetables in Oman

Tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, muskmelon are among the top vegetable crops in terms of production in Oman. Soil borne fungal pathogens, e.g. Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp, and Fusarium spp., are the most serious fungal pathogens affecting vegetables in Oman. Losses due to diseases caused by these pathogens can reach as high as 100%. Management of soil borne fungal diseases mainly relies on the use of imported fungicides. Cultural practices and biological control are sometimes used, but their efficacy is limited. Despite the long list of chemicals used in Oman, no attempt has been made to synthesize a product to control diseases caused by these fungicides. The overall objective of this study is to develop fungicides selective for one or few of the most common fungal pathogens of vegetables. This will help produce fungicides with high efficacy under Omani conditions and will help train local Omani students and staff on how to develop such fungicides.