Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 356-368 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 363 leading to abnormal mycelial morphology and enhanced activities of defense-related enzymes in cherry tomatoes (Ji et al., 2020). Similarly, the use of antagonistic yeasts like Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Cryptococcus laurentii has been effective in reducing disease incidence by competing for nutrients and space, and by modulating the host's immune responses (Tang et al., 2019; Raynaldo et al., 2021). 6.2 Effectiveness of organic and chemical control methods Organic control methods, such as the application of biocontrol agents, have gained attention due to their environmental friendliness and safety. Wickerhamomyces anomalus has demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling postharvest gray mold decay in cherry tomatoes. This yeast competes with B. cinerea for nutrients and space, and enhances the activities of defense-related enzymes like polyphenoloxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), thereby inducing disease resistance in the fruit (Raynaldo et al., 2021). Another biocontrol agent, Cryptococcus laurentii, has been shown to modulate ethylene-associated immune responses, further reducing the incidence of gray mold (Tang et al., 2019). Chemical control methods, while effective, often raise concerns about residue and environmental impact. Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) is a natural photosensitizer that has been found to control gray mold by destroying the fungal cell structure and enhancing disease resistance-related enzyme activities in cherry tomatoes. SPA's mode of action includes affecting cell wall integrity and membrane permeability, leading to the collapse and dissolution of mycelial walls (Ji et al., 2020). These findings suggest that SPA could be a viable alternative to traditional chemical fungicides, offering a balance between efficacy and safety. 6.3 Application and potential of biological control techniques Biological control techniques offer a sustainable approach to managing diseases in cherry tomatoes. The use of antagonistic yeasts such as Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Cryptococcus laurentii has shown considerable promise. W. anomalus not only reduces gray mold decay but also enhances the activities of defense-related enzymes, thereby boosting the fruit's natural resistance to pathogens (Raynaldo et al., 2021). Similarly, C. laurentii has been found to decrease disease incidence by modulating ethylene-associated immune responses, which are crucial for the fruit's defense mechanisms (Tang et al., 2019). The potential of these biological control agents extends beyond their immediate antifungal effects. For instance, W. anomalus adapts well to the environment of cherry tomatoes, rapidly colonizing wounds and surfaces, which helps in outcompeting pathogens (Raynaldo et al., 2021). On the other hand, C. laurentii's ability to stimulate ethylene production and upregulate defense-related genes highlights its role in enhancing the overall immune response of the fruit (Tang et al., 2019). These attributes make biological control techniques a promising component of integrated disease management strategies for cherry tomatoes. 7 Growth Regulation Techniques 7.1 Use of hormones and growth regulators The application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as gibberellic acid (GA3), auxins, and kinetin has been shown to significantly enhance the growth and yield of cherry tomatoes. For instance, a study conducted at the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences demonstrated that GA3 at 75 ppm resulted in the highest plant height, number of primary branches, early flowering, and fruit yield per plant among the treatments tested (Kavitha et al., 2023). Similarly, the use of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) in high-temperature conditions in Botswana significantly increased fruit set and yield, with the highest concentration (75 ppm) yielding the best results (Table 1) (Baliyan et al., 2013). Table 1 Effect of different concentrations of 4-CPA application on tomato fruit set Source SS df MS F Sig Replications 7980.188 3 2660.063 2.253 .151 Treatments 29215.687 3 9738.562 8.248 006 Error 10626.563 9 1180.729 Total 2814223.000 15
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