Integrated Management of Tomato Fusarium Wilt: Ultrastructure Insights into Zn Nanoparticles and Phytohormone...

Fusarium wilt (FW), induced by Fusarium oxysporum, poses a significant threat to global tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, leading to substantial yield reduction. This study investigated the anatomical and ultrastructural responses of tomato leaves to FW infection and assessed the efficacy of salicylic acid (SA), humic acid (HA), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as control and inducer agents. FW infection resulted in notable structural alterations, including decreased leaf blade and mesophyll thickness and increased Adaxial epidermal cell wall thickness, thereby disrupting the leaf structure. Also, it caused severe chloroplast damage, such as membrane detachment and a reduced count of starch granules, which could impair photosynthetic efficiency. The different treatments exhibited significant effectiveness in reversing these adverse effects, leading to increased thickness of the leaf blade, mesophyll, palisade, and spongy tissues and enhanced structural integrity. Furthermore, ultrastructural improvements included activated mitochondria, compact chloroplasts with increased numbers, and proliferation of plastoglobuli, indicating adaptive metabolic changes. Principal component analysis (PCA-biplot) highlighted the significant parameters distinguishing treatment groups, providing insights into trait-based differentiation. This study concluded the potential of SA, HA, and ZnO-NPs as sustainable solutions for managing Fusarium wilt and enhancing tomato plant resilience, thereby contributing to improved agricultural practices and food security.