Diseases Affecting Tomato Crops At Flowering Stage

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.