Maintaining your tomato plants, particularly during the fruiting stage, can be quite a challenge due to the heightened risk of pest infestations. In this article, we will explore the various pests that commonly attack tomato plants during this critical growth phase. Additionally, we will discuss effective control measures to safeguard your precious tomato crop. 

Common pests that could affect your tomato plants during the fruiting stage:  

Thrips

Causal Organism: Thrips tabaci  

Symptoms

• These tiny insects feed on both the leaves and fruits of your tomato plants. 
• They can also spread Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TOSPO), causing additional harm to your plants. 

Control Measures

• Spray Actara Insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25% WG) at the rate of 1 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Spray Osheen Insecticide (Dinotefuran 20% SG) or Police Insecticide (Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG) at the rate of 0.5 gm per liter of water. 

Red Spider Mite

Causal Organism: Tetranychus spp. 

Symptoms

• These mites feed on the sap from the leaves, resulting in reddish-brown and bronzy areas on the lower leaf surface. 
• Severe infestations can lead to the creation of silken webbing on leaves, flowers, and fruits, ultimately affecting flower and fruit formation. 
• The infested leaves, flowers, and fruits may wither and dry. 

Control Measures

• Use Borneo Insecticide (Etoxazole 10% SC) at the rate of 0.3 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Oberon Insecticide (Spiromesifen 22.9% SC) or Kunoichi Miticide (Cyenopyrafen 30% SC) at the rate of 0.5 ml per liter of water. 

Serpentine Leaf Miner

Causal Organism: Liriomyza trifolii 

Symptoms

• This pest causes distinctive serpentine patterns on the tomato leaves. 
• As they mine within the leaves, they cause curling, drying, and eventual leaf drop. 
• The yellowish-brown maggots can also mine into the leaves and pupate within the mines.   

Control Measures 

• Use Alika Insecticide (Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC) or Voliam Flexi Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% + Thiamethoxam 17.5% SC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water.  

Tomato Pinworm 

Causal Organism: Tuta absoluta 

Symptoms

• This notorious pest targets the terminal/apical buds, leaves, stems, and flowers of tomato plants. 
• The pinworm lays eggs on the underside of the leaves, and its larvae can cause significant damage by mining between the upper and lower leaf surfaces.  
• The appearance of clear patches that are often partially filled with frass. 
• They also cause damage to the tomato stem by boring into them and leaving frass at the stem nodes.  

Control Measures

• Use Vayego Insecticide (Tetraniliprole 200 g/L SC) at the rate of 0.5 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Exponus Insecticide (Broflanilide 300 G/L SC) at the of 25 ml per acre. (Or) 
• Use Coragen Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC) at the rate of 0.3 ml per liter of water.  

Tomato Gram Pod Borer

Causal Organism: Helicoverpa armigera 

Symptoms  

• The larvae of this pest feed on the leaves and attack fruits, eating the internal tissues voraciously to be completely hollowed out. 
• While feeding, the caterpillar thrusts its head inside the fruit and leaves the rest of the body outside the fruit.  
• This single-gram pod borer is known to destroy 2-8 fruits. 

Control Measures 

• Use Belt Expert Insecticide (Flubendiamide 19.92% + Thiacloprid 19.925% SC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Plethora Insecticide (Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC) or Cigna Insecticide (Lufenuron 5.4% EC) at the rate of 1.5 to 2 ml per liter of water. 

Tobacco Caterpillar

Causal Organism: Spodoptera litura 

Symptoms

• In its early stages, the caterpillars scrape the chlorophyll content of the leaves, leading to the papery white appearance. 
• Initially, irregular holes appear on leaves, which slowly results in skeletonization of leaves, leaving only veins and petioles.  
• As they grow, they become voracious feeders, creating irregular holes in both the leaves and fruits. 

Control Measures

• Use Sumipleo Insecticide (Pyridalyl 10% EC) at the rate of 1 to 1.5 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Plethora Insecticide (Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC) at the rate of 1.5 to 2 ml per liter of water. 

Root Knot Nematodes

Causal Organisms: Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica  

Symptoms

• Root-knot nematodes mainly infect plant roots. 
• They cause the development of root-knot galls, stunted root growth and nutrient depletion, ultimately leading to the death of the plant. 

Control Measures

• Use Velum Prime Nematicide (Flupyrm 34.48% SC) at the rate of 250 to 500 ml per acre. (Or)  
• Alternatively, you can also use any one of the below-mentioned enriched farmyard manure (FYM) to control Root Knot Nematodes. 
• Use Paecilomyces lilacainus and Trichoderma harzianum at the rate of 2 to 3 kg per ton of FYM. (Or) 
• Use Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum or Tricoderma viride at the rate of 3 to 5 kg per ton of FYM. 

Remember to leave this mixture in the shade for 15 days with adequate moisture to aid the multiplication of the beneficial microbes.

Using Traps and Lures for Trap Control

For those who prefer to avoid using chemicals, traps, and lures offer effective alternatives to control pests in tomato plants. Various traps and lures can target fruit flies, pinworms, and sucking pests in tomato plants.

Recommended Traps and Lures for Pest Control

• Use 10 to 12 Vegfly lures and traps per acre. 
• To control Tuta absoluta, use 12 to 15 pinworm lures per acre. 
• Use 8 to 10 Sawtooth traps per acre. 
• Alternatively, place 120 to 150 sticky traps (blue and yellow) per acre. These sticky traps are ideal for controlling sucking pests like thrips, mites, aphids, whiteflies, and jassids.  

Conclusion

By staying vigilant and employing the appropriate control measures, you can protect your tomato plants from these pests during the fruiting stage. Whether it is using insecticides, organic alternatives, or traps and lures, choose the best approach that suits your farming practices.

During the fruiting stage, your tomato plants enter the crucial period of growth and development, promising a rewarding harvest. However, this crucial phase is also susceptible to various diseases that can hinder the health and productivity of your tomato crops. In this article, we will explore some common diseases that can affect your tomato plants during the fruiting stage and provide effective treatments to ensure a healthy and successful tomato crop. 

Common diseases that could affect your tomato crops during fruiting stage include: 

Fusarium Wilt

Causal Organism: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici  

Symptoms

• Yellowing of older leaves, wilting, browning and defoliation. 
• Dark brown streaks of vascular tissues can be observed when cutting an infected stem at the base.  
• This disease stunts growth, hampers fruit development and often leads to the premature death of the plants. 

Control Measures

• Uproot the infected wilt plants from the tomato field to prevent the further spread of the disease. 
• Avoid water stagnation and limit the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. 
• Use Multiplex Nisagra Bio Fungicide (Trichoderma viride 5% L.F) at the rate of 2 kg per acre.  
• Drench the affected area with Spectrum Fungicide (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 % SC) at the rate of 300 ml per acre. (Or) 
• Use Infinito Fungicide (Fluopicolide 5.56% + Propamocarb hydrochloride 55.6% SC) at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water. 

Early Blight 

Causal Organism: Alternaria solani 

Symptoms

• It appears as small black lesions on the older leaves, which gradually turn yellow and form leaf spots from the bottom of the leaves.  
• These spots may enlarge and exhibit concentric rings in a bull eye pattern, accompanied by a yellow halo in both foliage and fruits. 

Control Measures

• Use Revus Fungicide (Mandipropamid 23.4% SC) at the rate of 1.6 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Apply Antracol Fungicide (Propineb 70% WP) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Curzate Fungicide (Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. 

Late Blight

Causal Organism: Phytopthora infestans 

Symptoms

• It is characterized by small water-soaked regions, which quickly develop into purple-brown and oily blotches. 
• Greyish white mycelial growth can be observed on the undersides of the infected leaves, surrounding the blotches. 
• It spreads rapidly, affecting petioles, young stems and even fruits, resulting in significant losses in production. 

Control Measures

• Use Acrobat Complete Fungicide (Metiram 44% + Dimethomorph 9% WG) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Sectin Fungicide (Fenamidone 10% and Mancozeb 50% WG) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Zampro (Ametoctradin 27% + Dimethomorph 20.27%) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water.  

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Causal Organism: Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria  

Symptoms

• It is characterized by the appearance of black or dark brown leaf spots with yellow halo on the fruits, which eventually turn from yellow or light green. 
• Larger leaf blotches, particularly on the leaf margins can be seen. 
• This disease can also affect twigs and green fruits. 

Control Measures

• Use Shamrock Overseas Borogold (Colloidal Nano Silver Technology) at the rate of 1.5 to 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Conika Fungicide (Kasugamycin 5% + Copper Oxychloride 45% WP) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Amistar Top Fungicide (Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC) at the rate of 1.2 to 1.5 ml per liter of water. 

Tomato Spotted Wilt Disease

Causal Organism: Tomato spotted wilt virus 

Vector: Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella  schultzii, Scirtothrips dorsali) 

Symptoms 

• Bronzing of the upper surface of the younger leaves, which finally turns into necrotic spots. 
• Downward cupping of the leaves and tip of the shoots show dieback symptoms. 
• Spots with concentric circles or circular markings can be seen on fruits. 
• On ripe fruit, chlorotic spots and blotches appear in alternate bands of red and yellow, often with concentric rings.  

Control Measures

There is no treatment for the plants infected with this virus. To prevent the spread of TSWV, it is crucial to monitor for thrips and tomato spotted wilt symptoms from the seedling stage and promptly remove and destroy infected plants. Additionally, the removal of weeds in the tomato field is recommended as they act as alternate hosts for thrips.  

Bacterial Wilt

Causal Organism: Ralstonia solanacearum 

Symptoms

• Within 2 to 3 days, terminal leaves start wilting, and later the entire plant may permanently wilt.  
• Vascular bundles may also exhibit brown discoloration, and bacterial ooze comes out when the freshly cut stem is placed in water. 

Control Measures

Control of Bacterial Wilt is quite difficult. One way to reduce the infection is to remove the infected plants by burning or burying. To prevent the further spread of the disease, increase calcium availability by liming or adding bleaching powder (Calcium hypochlorite) and avoid excessive irrigation. 

Powdery Mildew

Causal Organism: Leveillula taurica, Oidiopsis neolycopersici 

Symptoms

• Infected plants exhibit patchy white powdery growth on the lower surface of the older leaves, which can subsequently spread to both leaf surfaces, leading to chlorosis and defoliation.  

Control Measures

• Use Luna Experience Fungicide (Fluopyram 17.7% + Tebuconazole 17.7% SC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Nissodium Fungicide (Cyflufenamid 5% EW) at the rate of 0.6 ml per liter. (Or) 
• Use Nativo Fungicide (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG) at the rate of 0.5 gm per liter of water. 

Note: Taking proactive measures to control diseases at the fruiting stage is crucial for the successful growth of your tomato plants. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of disease infection and promptly intervene with recommended fungicides. Remember to follow instructions on the product labels and take appropriate safety precautions when using any fungicides. 

Conclusion

To prevent and control these diseases, it is vital to practice proper sanitation, implement crop rotation and consider disease resistant tomato varieties. Chemical treatments can be employed alongside these preventive measures for disease management. With proper care and attention, your tomato plants will flourish and reward you with a plentiful harvest. 

When cultivating tomato crops, it is not uncommon for the diseases to affect them despite our best efforts. However, there is no need to worry, we’re here to assist you. In this article, we will discuss some common diseases that affect your tomato plants during the flowering stage, along with the remedies to combat them. 

Common diseases that could affect your tomato plants during flowering stage: 

Fusarium Wilt 

Causal Organism: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici 

Symptoms

• Yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves. 
• As the disease progresses, browning and drying of the entire plant can be seen. 

Control Measures

• Drench the soil with Tilt Fungicide (Propiconazole 25 % EC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Roko Fungicide (Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP) at the rate of 2.5 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Saaf Fungicide (Mancozeb 63% + Carbendazim 12% WP) at the rate of 3 gm per liter of water. 

Early Blight 

Causal Organism: Alternaria solani  

Symptoms

• Small circular brown spots appear with yellow halos on the lower surface of the leaves. 
• In severe cases, disease can eventually spread to the upper leaves and fruits. 

Control Measures

• Spray Amistar Top Fungicide (Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC) at the rate of 1 to 1.25 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Merivon Fungicide (Fluxapyroxad 250 G/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 G/L SC) at the rate of 0.4 ml per liter of water.  

Late Blight 

Causal Organism: Phytopthora infestans 

Symptoms 

• Disease first appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves that rapidly enlarge and turn brown and papery. 
• Greyish-white mould growth on the undersides of the leaves. 

Control Measures

• Spray Acrobat fungicide (Dimethomorph 50%WP) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Equation Pro Fungicide (Famoxadone 16.6% + Cymoxanil 22.1% SC) at the rate of 1 to 1.2 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Infinito Fungicide (Fluopicolide 5.56% + Propamocarb hydrochloride 55.6% SC) at the rate of 1.5 to 2 ml per liter of water. 

Bacterial Leaf Spots 

Causal Organism: Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria 

Symptoms

• Small, water-soaked lesions appear on leaves, which eventually turn brown and necrotic. 
• Later the spots coalesce to form irregular lesions. 

Control Measures

• Spray Blitox Fungicide (Copper Oxychloride 50% WP) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Kocide Fungicide (Copper Hydroxide 53.8% DF) at the rate of 2 gm per liter of water. 
• Spray Cristocycline Bactericide (Streptomycin sulphate 90% + Tetracyclin hydrocloride 10% SP) at the rate of 6 gm per 50 liters of water. 

Leaf Curl 

Causal Organism: Tomato leaf curl virus 

Vector: Whitefly 

Symptoms

• The most common symptom caused by leaf curl virus is upward curling of the leaves. 
• Yellowing and stunting of the plant can also be seen, which lead to reduced fruit size and yield.  

Control Measures

• Spray Geolife No-Virus (Bio viricide) at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Use Perfekt (Plant Extracts) at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water. 
• Place sticky traps such as Eco Sticky Traps, at the rate of 8-10 traps per acre to monitor for whiteflies (vector), which can spread the disease. 

Note: Taking proactive measures to control diseases at the flowering stage is crucial for the successful growth of your tomato plants. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of disease infection and promptly intervene with the recommended fungicides. Remember to follow the instructions on the product labels and take appropriate safety precautions when using any fungicides.  

Conclusion

By remaining vigilant and implementing effective treatments, you can protect your tomato plants from common diseases that tend to strike during the flowering stage. Whether you encounter Fusarium wilt, Early Blight, Late Blight, Bacterial leaf spots or Leaf Curl, the remedies provided in this article will assist you in ensuring healthy and abundant harvests.

As a farmer, you invest significant effort into nurturing your tomato plants from seed to maturity. However, even with utmost care, these plants remain susceptible to pests and insects that can undermine your hard work. In this article, we will explore common pests that target tomato crops during the vegetative stage and provide effective strategies to control and prevent infestations. 

Thrips 

Causal Organism: Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella sp. 

Symptoms

• One pest that tomato growers often encounter is the thrips. These tiny insects feed on the young leaves of your tomato plants and cause damage. 
• They can also transmit TOSPO virus, which can further harm your crops. 

Control Measures

• Use Confidor Insecticide (Imidacloprid 17.8% SL) at the rate of 0.75-1 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Spray Actara Insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25% WG) at the rate of 0.5 gm per liter of water. 

Aphids 

Causal Organism: Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii 

Symptoms

• Aphids are notorious sapsuckers, commonly infect tomato plants during the seedling stage. 
• These small insects suck the sap of tender leaves, leading to misshapen and stunted growth. 

Control Measures

• Use Sefina Insecticide (Afidopyropen 50 G/L DC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. (Or)  
• Spray Rogor Insecticide (Dimethoate 30% EC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. 

Mites 

Causal Organism: Tetranychus spp. 

Symptoms

• These minute pests can cause yellow or whitish spotting on leaves, leading to weakened plant growth. 

Control Measures

• Use Foster Insecticide (Cyflumetofen 20% SC) at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Spray Kunoichi Miticide (Cyenopyrafen 30%) at the rate of 0.3 to 0.5 ml per liter of water. 

Whitefly 

Causal Organism: Bemisia tabaci 

Symptoms

• Whiteflies also suck the sap from the tomato leaves. 
• As a result of sucking, distorted and malformed leaves can be seen.  

Control Measures

• Use TATA Manik Insecticide (Acetamiprid 20% SP) at the rate of 1 gm per liter of water. (Or) 
• Spray Ulala Insecticide (Flonicamid 50% WG) at the rate of 0.5 gm per liter of water. 

Mealybugs 

Causal Organism: Maconellicoccus sp., Phenacoccus solenopsis 

Symptoms

• Mealybugs are sap suckers, which suck the sap from the tomato plant and weaken them. 
• They secrete a honeydew substance, which attracts other pests and can lead to the growth of sooty mould on the plant.  

Control Measures

• Spray Ulala Insecticide (Flonicamid 50% WG) or Sivanto Bayer Insecticide (Flupyradifurone 17.09% SL) at the rate of 0.5 to 1 gm per liter of water. 

Note: Taking proactive measures to control pests at the seedling stage is crucial for the successful growth of your tomato plants. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of pest damage and promptly intervene with the recommended insecticides. Remember to follow the instructions on the product labels and take appropriate safety precautions when using any pesticides.  

Conclusion

Effective pest control during the vegetative stage is crucial for successful tomato cultivation. By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you can ensure the health and vitality of your tomato crop.

During the vegetative stage, when tomato plants are actively developing leaves and stems, they become particularly susceptible to a range of diseases. Despite providing diligent care, the risk of these diseases affecting your tomato crops cannot be completely eliminated. In this article, we will discuss a few diseases that can affect your tomato crops during the vegetative stage and provide you with the best methods to control them. So, make sure to shield your tomato plants from these diseases to ensure a healthy harvest! 

Common diseases that could affect your tomato plants during vegetative stage: 

Damping Off or Collar Rot

Causal Organism: Pythium aphanidermatum 

Symptoms

• Pre-emergent symptom: Complete decay of seedlings before they emerge from the soil, particularly in damp conditions. 
• Post-emergent symptom: Once the seedlings emerge, the infected tissues around the collar region or ground level become soft and water-soaked, leading to the eventual collapse of the seedlings.  

Control Measures

• Treat the seeds with metalaxyl-M at the rate of 2 ml/kg 24 hours before sowing. 
• Drench solution of Blitox (Copper Oxy Chloride 50%WP) at the rate of 2-3 grams per liter of water. (Or) 
• Drench Aliette (Fosetyl Al 80% WP) at the rate of 2.5 grams per liter of water. 

Early Blight

Causal Organism: Alternaria solani 

Symptoms

• Small black lesions appear on young leaves, which can develop into necrotic tissue resembling bull’s eyes during periods of high humidity and warm temperatures. 
• The affected leaves eventually drop, and the stem may become girdled, weakening the plant. 

Control Measures

• Spray Amistar Top (Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC) at the rate of 1ml per liter of water or Melody Duo (Iprovalicarb 5.5% + Propineb 66.75% WP) at the rate of 2 grams per liter of water. 

Leaf Curl

Causal Organism: Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) 

Vector: Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) 

Symptoms

• Yellowing and curling of young leaves, which also shows downward rolling and crinkling. 
• Affected plants exhibit severe stunting of leaves. 
• Older leaves can become tough and brittle, and infected plants may appear pale with bushy lateral branches. 

Control Measures

• Spray Geolife No Virus (an organic viricide) at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water. (Or) 
• Place sticky traps such as Eco Sticky Traps, at the rate of 8-10 traps per acre to monitor for whiteflies (vector), which can spread the disease. 

Conclusion

Safeguarding your tomato plants against common seedling diseases is crucial for a healthy harvest. Diseases like Damping Off or Collar Rot, Early Blight, and Leaf Curl can cause significant damage to your crops if left unchecked. By employing appropriate preventive measures, such as drenching or spraying solutions containing the recommended fungicides or viricides, you can effectively control these diseases. Remember to closely monitor your plants and take prompt action at the first signs of disease. With proper care and attention, your tomato plants will flourish and reward you with a plentiful harvest.