Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops in India, grown widely across all states. However, during the vegetative stage, tomato plants are vulnerable to several diseases like damping off or collar rot, early blight, and leaf curl virus. If not managed in time, these diseases can significantly impact plant health and reduce yield. In this blog, we’ll discuss these common diseases, their symptoms, economic threshold levels, and effective solutions to safeguard your tomato crop.
Diseases in Tomato Crop During Vegetative Stage
1. Damping Off or Collar Rot
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Introduction:
Damping off is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia. It affects seedlings and young plants during the early vegetative stage. - Symptoms:
- Seedlings fail to emerge or collapse after sprouting.
- Water-soaked lesions at the base of the stem (collar region).
- Wilted and stunted plants.
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Economic Threshold Level:
If more than 10-15% seedlings show symptoms, immediate action is required.
2. Early Blight
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Introduction:
Caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, early blight commonly occurs in warm and humid conditions. - Symptoms:
- Dark brown spots with concentric rings on leaves.
- Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves.
- Poor growth due to defoliation.
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Economic Threshold Level:
Action should be taken if 25% or more leaves are affected.
3. Leaf Curl Virus
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Introduction:
Leaf curl virus, caused by Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV), is transmitted by whiteflies. It is a highly destructive disease that reduces plant growth and yield. - Symptoms:
- Leaves curl upwards or downwards and become thickened.
- Stunted plant growth and reduced branching.
- Yellowing along the leaf margins.
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Economic Threshold Level:
If whitefly populations exceed 5 adults per plant, vector control is necessary.
Prescribed Solutions and Treatments
1. Damping Off or Collar Rot
Katyayani KTM
- Benefits of KTM:
- Provides effective control of soil-borne fungi.
- Protects seedlings during early stages.
- Promotes healthy root development.
- How to Use:
- Mix 500 grams of KTM with 10-20 kg sand and broadcast evenly in the soil.
2. Early Blight
Katyayani Propi
- Benefits of Propi:
- Broad-spectrum fungicide effective against early blight.
- Prevents the spread of fungal spores.
- Improves plant health and leaf retention.
- How to Use:
- Mix 600 grams of Katyayani Propi with 200 liters of water per acre and apply through spraying.
- Spray evenly on affected plants every 10-15 days during high-humidity conditions.
3. Leaf Curl Virus
Virus-Free Crop Combo
- Benefits of Virus-Free Crop Combo:
- Controls whiteflies, breaking the transmission cycle.
- Strengthens plants against viral infections.
- Promotes recovery and healthy growth.
- How to Use:
- Use Pyron (Whitefly Control): Mix 3 ml per liter of water and spray on foliage.
- Use Antivirus (Viral Management): Mix 3 ml per liter of water and apply every 10-12 days.
Conclusion: Safeguard Your Tomato Crop
During the vegetative stage, tomato plants are highly vulnerable to diseases like damping off, early blight, and leaf curl virus. By identifying symptoms early and using effective solutions like KTM, Propi, and Virus-Free Crop Combo, you can protect your crop and ensure healthy growth. Regular monitoring, timely intervention, and good agricultural practices are key to maximizing yield and profitability.
FAQs
Q. What is damping off or collar rot in tomatoes?
A. It is a fungal disease that affects seedlings, causing stem lesions and wilting.
Q. How can early blight be identified?
A. Early blight appears as dark brown spots with concentric rings on leaves, leading to defoliation.
Q. What causes tomato leaf curl virus?
A. The virus is transmitted by whiteflies, which act as vectors.
Q. How do you treat damping off in tomato crops?
A. Use KTM as a soil drench or soil application to control soil-borne fungi effectively.
Q. Can tomato leaf curl virus be managed?
A. Yes, it can be managed using the Virus-Free Crop Combo, which includes Pyron for whitefly control and Antivirus for plant protection.
