TOMATO FARMING GUIDE

TOMATO FARMING GUIDE PRACTICAL HAND BOOK Open Field and Green House

MOSES O. OCHIENG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GROWING TOMATO 2 Soil & Climate Requirement 2 Seed Rate 2 Open pollinated variety: 50-75g/acre

3

Hybrid variety F1: 35-50g/acre

3

Tomato Varieties 3 Seed Bed Establishment 3 How to solarize seed bed:

3

Option 2: Raising seedlings in trays

6

Land Preparation 7 Greenhouse Preparation 8 Field Transplanting 9 Training and pruning in Green House

9

Pruning both in field and greenhouse tomatoes

10

Leaf Pruning 11 Fruit Pruning 11 Irrigation Management 12 Weed Control 12 Staking Outdoor Tomatoes 12 Staking method 12 Passion fruit method 13 Hedge type method 14 Field Nutrient Management per acre

15

Open pollinated variety/local variety

15

Hybrid varieties 16 Harvesting and Grading 16 2

Tomato Farming Guide

Yield 17 Problems Related to Tomato Production

17

Problems Related to Tomato Market

17

PEST MANAGEMENT 18 Serpentine leaf miner 18 Tuta absoluta 20 White fly

21

Thrips 23 Tomato fruit worm 24 Mites 26 Cutworm. 27 Aphids 28 Fruit fly

29

DISEASES MANAGEMENT 31 Bacterial spot 32 Bacterial wilt) 34 Bacterial canker 35 Bacterial speck 37 Damping Off 39 Septoria leaf spot 40 Gray leaf spot 41 Early blight 42 Late blight 43 Powdery mildew 44 Anthrocnose 46 Fusarium wilt 46 Verticilium wilt 48 Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) Tomato Farming Guide

49 3

Tomato virus diseases: 50 Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) 51 NEMATODE DISEASE 53 Root Knot Nematode 53 PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS

53

Blossom-end rot 53 Cat-face 54 Puffiness/hollowness

55

Cracking 55 Nutrient Deficiency

56

Nitrogen deficiency

56

Phosphorus deficiency

57

Potassium deficiency

58

Calcium deficiency

59

Iron deficiency

60

Magnesium deficiency

61

Boron 62 Zinc 63 Estimated Cost Benefit Analysis for Greenhouse Tomatoes

64

Estimated Cost Benefit Analysis for an Acre Field

66

Table of common pests and diseases and their management

67

Tomato plan sheet 1

68

Tomato plan sheet 2

69

Literature and Internet References

70

4

Tomato Farming Guide

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful for number of friends, farmers and colleagues in encouraging me to start the work in researching information on tomato farming and finally to publish it.

First and foremost the author wishes to thank Kenyan tomato growers; Jeremiah Nderitu, Steve Kawangeci, Benard Sila and Dickson Muli provided me with vital information on tomato farming, and also offered their farms for research work. These farmers never stopped challenging me and helping me develop my ideas. I am also grateful to Kennnedy Ochieng who edited and designed this guide book.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the support and love of my family; my wife, Becky and my son, Max. They all kept me going, and this guide would not be possible without them.

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5

PREFACE This tomato guide provides comprehensive practical description on land preparation, seedbed management, soil fertility management, water/irrigation management, staking techniques, tomato pruning, green house tomato farming, Problems related to tomato production and markets,plant nutrient deficiency identification, pest and disease management. Additionally, the reader will find short descriptive of pests, disorders and diseases, with details and photographs illustration of symptoms damage, and some of the preventive and control measures. It is important to note that many factors can influence the appearance and severity of the symptoms damage, thus, the symptoms damage photograph illustration are the most common noticed symptoms of the disease and pest.

The primary audience of this guide includes: beginners in tomato farming, tomato crop producers, farm managers, agronomists, agricultural advisors, seed industries, and private farm consultants. The guide should be used as reference for information and guide on tomato farming and management.

The specific directions on the fungicide/bactericide or pesticides labels must be adhered to, they supersede recommendations suggest in this guide. If there is conflict regarding commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only; no endorsement is intended.

List of reference used in this guide, table of cost benefit analysis of tomato under protected culture and open field production, summary table of pest, disorder and disease management and tomato plan sheet, can be found at the end pages of the guide.

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Tomato Farming Guide

PRACTICAL GUIDE Tomato Farming in KENYA Soil & Climate Requirement • Can be grown in almost all types of soils, but well drained loam sandy soil is preferred.

• Soil pH 6-6.8 • Tomato is warm season crop. Optimum temperature ranges between 20oC -24oC and temperatures below 10oCadversely affects plant tissues thereby slowing down physiological activities while temperatures above 32oC reduce fruit set and development.

Seed Rate • Number of seeds per gram 250-300seeds • Plant population per acre 10,000-12,000plants • Open pollinated variety: 50-75g/acre • Hybrid variety F1: 35-50g/acre Tomato Varieties • Determinate varieties mostly grown in open field: bushy and have determinate growth, height and period of flowering and fruit development.

Examples of these varieties are Zara F1, Kelele F1, Shanty F1, Jaguar F1, Commando F1, Eden F1, Rambo F1, Napoli F1, Star 9065, Stallion F1, Bigrock F1, DRD 8551, Pesa F1, Randah F1, Milele F1, Nouvelle F1, Kubwa F1, Oxyl, Libra F1, Riograndes, Isisement, Cal J, Roma VF, (Each of these varieties have adaptability to different agro-climatic conditions, please consult your regional agronomist).

• Indeterminate varieties mostly grown ingreen house: they grow with a single apical stem and a few secondary branches with relative height of up to 2metres and above. Examples of these varieties are: Eva F1, Anna F1, Gem F1, Bravo F1, Prostar F1, Tylka F1, Tomato Farming Guide

7

Seed Bed Establishment • Make sunken or raised nursery beds measuring 1m or 0.8m width and 1015cm high and 7.5m long or convenient length. Approximately 75m2 is enough for raising seedlings for an acre.

• Between the nurserybeds leave walking path of 45cm apart.

• Drench the beds first with water then with Bavistin (15-20g/10litres of water) to avoid incidences of seedlings mortality due to damping off.

• Alternatively, solarizing the seedbed before sowing is recommended to reduce the incidence of insect pests and pathogens as well as weeds.

How to solarize seed bed: (1) Apply water to moisten seedbed soil (2) Cover the soil with transparent plastic sheets for 3-4 weeks (bury the edges of the sheets in the soil) (3) After 3-4 weeks, remove the plastic sheets and plough the soil (4) About 2-3 days later, level the soil and sow the seeds

Raised seedbeds. The bed on the left is covered with a transparent plastic sheet to sterilize the seedbed soil through solarisation.

Note: The best time for solarizaton is during the dry season with high temperatures.

• Well decomposed manure preferably goat or cow manure of about 3kg/ m2is incorporated in the top soil of the beds.

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Tomato Farming Guide

• 0.5kg of NPK 17:17:17per bed is incorporated in the soil at least 10 days before sowing seeds.

• Sow seeds in lines/drills of 10-15cm apart and 0.5inch/1-2cm deep. Cover the seeds with a light soil.

• Cover the beds with a thin layer of dry grass or sisal bag (gunia); Tomato seeds germinate best in the dark.

• Provide shades, covered with 50 to 60-mesh nylon netting is highly recommended to protect seedlings against rain, sun and insect pests.

• Water the seedbed daily during the hot and dry season by using a fine sprinkler to maintain optimum moisture for healthy seedling growth. In the cool season, watering can be carried out once every two days. Avoid excessive watering.

• Remove dry grasses after emergence of seedlings usually between 7-10days • During the last week in nursery, the seedlings may be hardened off by slightly withholding water.

• Drench seedlings with Imidacloprid @ 0.2ml/l and chlorothalonil @1gm/l or copper oxychloride 3g/l (e.g. Confidor and cuprocaffaro) 3days prior to transplanting of seedlings to prevent any sucking pest infestations and boast defence against fungi diseases.

• A pre-soaking watering or thoroughirrigationis given a day prior to transplanting.

• Seedlings with 5-6 leaves are ready for transplanting, which takes about 4weeks after sowing.

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Option 2: Raising seedlings in trays

Seed tray

• Seed trays can be filled with treated peat moss/ cocopeat (cocopeat is cheaper than peat moss).

• The pro-trays are filled with sterilized coco peat (treated with hydrogen peroxide having Nano silver 3ml per litre of water, 6hours waiting period before sowing seeds) and seeds are sown, one seed per cell to a depth of 0.5 cm and covered with the same media.

• The filled trays are staked one above the other and covered with plastic sheets till germination of seeds.

• Seeds germinate in about a week time after sowing. The trays are shifted to net house/ polyhouse and lightly watered.

• After 15 days of sowing, Mono ammonium phosphate; MAP 12:61:0 (3g/L) and 22 days after sowing 19:19:19 (3g/L; e.g polyfeed 19:19:19) solution has to be drenched.

• The seedlings will be ready for transplanting

in 30-45 days.

Drench imidacloprid @ 0.2 ml/L and copper oxychloride3g/l, 3days before transplanting of seedlings.

Simple net-house with seedlings

Note: alternatively you can source seedlings from professional seed raisers like Kimplanter in Ruiru-Nairobi, plantech in Naivasha and Eteina seedling raisers in Athi River etc.

Land Preparation • Carry out soil test to determine nutrient status, pests and disease availability.

• Soil borne pests and diseases should be removed by fumigation. Low PH (highly acidic soil) should be raised using lime and alkaline soil reduced by using gypsum.

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Tomato Farming Guide

• Avoid planting tomato in a field planted the previous season with tomato, pepper, eggplant, or other solanaceous crops. These crops share some insect pest and disease problems.

• Plough the land to fine tilth and incorporate well decayed FYM about 6-10tonnes/acre; one month prior to planting. Alternatively put handful of FYM in the prepared planting holes.

• Make beds with 60cm-120cm width and 15-20cm high. Leaving 30-40cm space between the beds, this depends with the tomato variety spacing requirement.

• Dig planting holes at recommended spacing. In case of furrow farming method: make furrows and drill holes at recommended spacing along the sides of the furrows; close to the base of the furrows (black cotton soil) • Optional: Spray herbicides with metribuzin; 5-7days before transplanting the seedlings.

• Do not disturb the soil after spraying herbicide.

• Put organic fertilizer, 10-20g per hole and incorporate thoroughly with the soil (check under nutrient management) Greenhouse Preparation • Well decomposed manure 10kg/m2 is applied in the soil. The soil inside greenhouse is loosened to fine tilth and then beds are formed at 70-100cm width, 15cm high and 30cm between two beds.

• Drip lines are installed at the recommended spacing or inline lateral are laid at the centre of each bed with emitting points at spacing of 30cm.

• Black polythene mulch film (50microns) with 1.2m wide is used to cover the planting beds. Holes of 5cm diameter are made on the polythene film as per recommended spacing; 90cm by 30cm or 60cm by 45cm (single stem system; where only one strong and dominant shoot is left to grow and bear fruits).

• Treated and healthy seedlings are planted in zig zag pattern on the beds.

• Fertigation starts at the third week after transplanting and will continue for the entire period of the plant. Water soluble fertilizer is supplied twice a week as follows: Tomato Farming Guide

11

Greenhouse measuring 8m by 15m=120 metre square. Fertigate the plants with 30-45g of potassium nitrate, 30-45g of calcium nitrate and 100-120g of NPK 19:19:19(Poylfeed) from the 3rd week after transplanting. Fertigate 25ml soluble fertilizer per plant twice a week (dissolve 2-3g of fertilizer in a 1litre of water)

• Spray foliar of potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate at 60th day then every 3weeks.

Fertilizer

Per Fertigation

1

MAP19:19:19

4kg

2

Potassium nitrate

1.5kg

3

Calcium nitrate

1.5kg

Note: Fertigation to be given twice per week.

Field Transplanting • On the day of transplanting, wet the seedbed to allow easy uprooting of seedlings.

• Transplant treated healthy seedlings of 4weeks old.

• Recommended spacing: row to row by plant to plant 60-90cm x 30-60cm depending on the variety. E.g Spacing: for determinate varieties 60cm x 60cm,for indeterminate varieties 60cm x 45cm.

• Transplant when it is cool preferably late afternoon • Press the seedling with your index finger deep enough; about one inch deep.

• In case of furrow planting: Seedlings are transplanted in furrows in light soils and on side of the ridges in case of heavy soils, while in drip lines, plant seedlings in zig zag pattern.

Tomato field with drip lines

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Tomato Farming Guide

• Planted seedlings should be close to the base of the furrow for maximum water uptake.

• 10 days after transplanting, drench the plants with copper oxychloride 25-30ml/plant; mixing copper oxychloride; 3g in 1litre of water.

• Gap filling to be done on 5-7th day after transplanting.

• Planted seedlings should be close to the base of the furrow for maximum water uptake.

• 10 days after transplanting, drench the plants with copper oxychloride 2530ml/plant; mixing copper oxychloride; 3g in 1litre of water.

• Gap filling to be done on 5-7th day after transplanting.

Training and pruning in Green House Trellising is done 30th day after transplanting where the main stem of the plant is tied with plastic twine or rope to train along and tied to GI wire provided on the top of the plants.

• The plants are trained to a single main stem by removing all side shoots (called suckers) as they develop where a leaf joins the stem.

• All but the topmost suckers should be removed weekly while they are still small (3 to 4 inches long). If the plant top is lost, train this sucker as a replacement.

• When the plant reaches the top most height (2m), laying has to be done by bringing down, bending it on the ground and trellising it on the string as done initially.

Pruning both in field and greenhouse tomatoes • Pinching out suckers/side shoots using thumb and forefinger.

• Remove laterals, old leaves, diseased leaves &branches and overshadowed lower leaves by hand.

Tomato plant parts

Suckers on plant

Pinching out sucker

Tomato Farming Guide

13

If possible, don’t use knife or secateurs in pruning to avoid spread of diseases from plant to plant.

Leaf Pruning • As the lower clusters of fruit approach maturity, prune off older leaves up to these clusters. This provides for better air circulation, helps to reduce the incidence of disease and facilitates harvesting and spraying. Snap leaves off where they join the stem.

Fruit Pruning • Continually observe newly set fruit and remove any that are deformed since these will be culls or third rate fruit when mature. The food produced by the plant can then be used to mature the well-shaped fruit.

Irrigation Management • Water regularly, the first two weeks after transplanting.

• Drip irrigation: 50ml-2litres/per plant of water per day/ irrigate 4-5 times per week; this will largely depends on weather conditions and soil type.

• Furrow irrigation: irrigate 3-4 days interval during summer and 10-15days interval during winter to maintain soil moisture moderately wet.

• It is necessary to maintain even soil moisture throughout the crop cycle since tomato crop is sensitive to soil water.

Note: Flowering and fruit development are the critical stages of tomato; therefore water stress should not be given during this period.

Weed Control • Practice regular weeding to obtain a healthy tomato crops. Weeding at 30th day and 60th day after transplanting, weeding and earthing up has to be done. Subsequent weeding will be necessary.

• Pre and post-emergence herbicides like metribuzin and pendimetahlin can also be used to control weeds emergence.

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Tomato Farming Guide

 Metribuzin kills broad leaf weeds. Apply as pre-emergence broadcast to preformed beds; (apply 0.56kg/ha 5-7days prior to transplanting then 0.44kg/ha post planting treatment)  Pendamethalin kills annual broadleaves and grasses. Post-emergence application after 3 days of transplanting. Examples of metribuzin are Tata Moto, sencor.

Note: Take caution when using herbicides.

Staking Outdoor Tomatoes • There are different types of staking outdoor tomatoes, this largely depend with resource available in that region. For instance: Staking method • In this method, 5-6ft long stakes are used to support the plant vertically at 60cm intervals.

• String is twined across the posts to support the plant.

Staking method

Passion fruit method • It is usually done early; 3 weeks after transplanting.

• Strong T-stakes 9ft high are erected above on which a strong wire (e.g barbed wire) is set from post to post. String(s) are tied slightly on the lower stem and twine gently around the plant to avoid snapping the stem.

• Alternatively, a peg can be inserted in the soil just adjacent to the tomato plant and trellis or string tied on the barbed wire above, the tomato is then made to wind on the string.

Passion method

Passion method Tomato Farming Guide

15

Hedge type method • The crop is left to grow in to 5 branches; the weak branches are removed with time • The supporting is done by setting strong stakes on which double stringing is done to support the tomato from all sides to look like hedge.

Hedge method

Field Nutrient Management per acre • 6-8t/acre of FYM is applied in the soil at the first time of ploughing • Soil Incorporation of borax 4kg and zinc sulphate 20kg as basal application (alternatively can apply foliar solution of boron and zinc solution) • Boom flower –N spray at 30th, 55th, 75th days after planting • Gibberellin acid (GA) 50-100mg/litre spray, elongate shoot growth and increase fruit yield. Example Tivag from Amiran.

• Tomato plant requires NPK: nitrogen from 40-70kg/acre, phosphorus 2070kg/acre and potassium 20-80kg/acre. Know your soil nutrient status to avoid over fertilization.

How to calculate fertilizer needed: For instance, if the soil tests recommend or the plant requires Nitrogen 30kg/ acre, phosphorus 30kg/acre and potassium 30kg/acre.

You will need fertilizer ratio 1:1:1 like NPK 17:17:17.

Therefore, quantity needed per acre divide by fertilizer ratio in the bag then multiply by value 100.

30/17 x100=176.5kg. For 1acre you need 177kg of NPK 17:17:17 to provide 30kgN, 30kgP, 30kgK. Open pollinated variety/local variety • Recommended dose per acre is NPK 50:30:20kg/acre • Apply 25kgN and full dose of P & K are given at the time of planting. The remaining 25kgN is top dressed 30days after transplanting.

• After 30th day of transplanting, apply 100kg of CAN

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Tomato Farming Guide

Fertilizing Option 1: Fertilizers

At planting

30th day top dressing

50th day top dressing

Manure

6-10t

0

0

1

CAN

100kg

100kg

0

2

TSP

65kg

0

0

3

MOP/Sulphate of potash

40kg

0

0

TOTAL

205kg

100kg

0kg

Fertilizing Option 2: Fertilizers

At planting

30th day top dressing

50th day top dressing

Manure

6-10t

0

0

1

NPK 17:17:17

175kg

0

0

2

CAN

0

100kg

0

TOTAL

175kg

100kg

0

TOTAL

205kg

100kg

0kg

Hybrid varieties • Recommended dose per acre is NPK 75:40:20kg/acre • Apply 25kgN, half of P & K, borax 4kg and zinc sulphate 20kg as basal application.The remaining quantities of P & K and 25kgN are top dressed 30days after transplanting. Third dose of 25kgN is applied 50days after transplanting.

• After 30th day of transplanting, apply: 100kg CAN+43kg superphosphate +20kg Sulphate of potash (16g per plant; 1.5spoonful).

• After 50th day of transplanting, apply: 100kg CAN. Fertilizing Option 1: No.

Fertilizers

At planting

30th day top dressing

50th day top dressing

Manure

6-10t

0

0

1

CAN

100kg

100kg

100

2

TSP

43kg

43kg

0

3

MOP/ Sulphate of potash

20kg

20kg

0

TOTAL

163kg

163kg

100kg Tomato Farming Guide

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Fertilizing Option 2: Fertilizers

At planting

30th day top dressing

50th day top dressing

Manure

6-10t

0

0

1

NPK 17:17:17 or unik 17

100kg

0

0

2

Yara winner

50

50

50kg

50kg

TOTAL

100kg

Note: DAP should not be used on calcareous or high pH soil, instead MAP can be used. Soil analysis is important and recommendation supersedes this fertilizer program.

Harvesting and Grading • Tomato plant is ready for harvesting in 70-80days depending on the variety and weather.

• Observe the pre-harvest interval period in case chemical was sprayed.

• Tomato fruits can be harvested when they are mature green, breaker stage or when fully ripe, which largely depends on the purpose they will be used and distance covered to reach the market.

• Watering must be done immediately after every harvesting • Tomatoes are picked with twisting motion of hand to separate fruits from stem.

• Tomatoes are normally picked at 4 day interval during warm season and weekly interval during cool season.

• Harvesting continues for up to 6-8months for greenhouse tomatoes while in open field tomatoes will continue for period of 4-6 weeks.

• When targeting specific market, grade before selling by sorting out according to size, colour or weight.

Yield • The yield is depended upon various agro-climatic factors, soil fertility, tomato variety and cultural practices. On average, under field conditions; Open pollinated variety produces 10-15t/acre and the hybrids often produces 23-40t/acre.

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Tomato Farming Guide

Problems Related to Tomato Production • Occurrence of pests and diseases.

• • • • • •

Bad weather condition/calamities.

Lack of manpower and high cost of inputs.

Lack of capital.

Inadequate water supply.

Low quality seeds.

Poor soil condition.

Problems Related to Tomato Market • Unstable tomato prices.

• Strict product classification by buyers/traders.

• Difference in size classification by farmer and trader and prices are controlled by traders.

• Too many farmer competitors.

• Delayed pick-up of produce by traders/buyers.

• Poor quality of produce.

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PEST MANAGEMENT

Tomato crop is attacked by number of insect pests, some of the common insect pests are: leaf miner, Tuta absoluta,whitefly, thrips, tobacco caterpillar, red spider mite, fruit fly, aphids, cutworms, leaf hopper.

• Don’t wait until pest symptoms begin to show, carry out cultural control and preventive spraying.

• Always scout for pests in the morning because this is the best time to get all pests on the plant.

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Tomato Farming Guide

1. Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) It is a pale yellowish fly, measuring 1.5 mm in length. The female fly punctures upper surface of leaf to lay eggs singly.

Damage symptoms: • Leaves with serpentine mines.

• Drying, dropping of leaves in severe cases.

MANAGEMENT Cultural and mechanical control: • Avoid excess use of nitrogen.

• Ecological engineering of tomato with beans as intercrop reduces leaf miner attack.

• Use yellow sticky traps or cards @ 10/acre Biological Control: • Conserve predators such as lacewings, lady beetles, spiders, fire ants etc.

Chemical Control: Apply insecticides with Emamectin benzoate or abamectin 2. Tuta absoluta This is harmful leaf-mining moth with preference to tomato crops. The pest attacks tomato crop from seedling stage to maturity stage with infestation on apical buds, leaves, stems, flowers and fruits. Under severe cases of moths infestation, may lead to 50-100% yield reduction on tomato crops.

Larva tuta absoluta

Adult tuta absoluta Tomato Farming Guide

21

Damage Symptoms:

Black frass on the fruits is visible, Irregular mines on leaf surface.

Large galleries and burrows into the fruits.

MANAGEMENT Cultural Control • Use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap the adults.

• Proper spacing, weed management and crop sanitation.

Pheromone traps attracts and trap all male adult moths especially when they are active at night. Use 2-4 traps per acre for monitoring.

If the number of trapped moths increases, you need to increase the traps accordingly.

Biological control • Using Bacillus thuringiensis; can provide control of the pest.

• Neem seed extract, Azadiractin acts as contact and systemic insecticide against Tuta absoluta.

Chemical control • Use dustable sulfur which acts as an effective repellent.

• Use of pesticides with flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, Indoxacarb, deltamethrin or spinosad.

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Tomato Farming Guide

3. Whitefly (Bemesia tabaci) They are minute white insects and suck the sap of the plants. It acts as vector for transmitting leaf curl disease.

Damage symptoms: Downward curling and drying of leaves.

Attacked leaves dry out.

Plants growth blockage and leaves roll up.

Sticky honeydew; black sooty moulds grow over infested leaves.

Vector of tomato leaf curl disease.

MANAGEMENT Cultural/mechanical control: • Raise barrier crops-cereals (maize or sorghum) around the field.

• Peppermint can be used as repellent plant for whitefly.

• Yellow sticky traps or cards @ 10/acre may reduce the whiteflies population • Plant dwarf Mexican marigold and calendula along the borders of the fields or between blocks to attract whiteflies.

Chemical control • Soil drench or foliar spray with imidacloprid or foliar spray of pyriproxyfen or spiromesifen/spirotetramat or Pubrefezin or abamectin. Add stickers to increase penetration. For greenhouse transplants use Beauveria bassiana.

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4. Thrips (Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella intonsa)

Nymph

Adult

It is a tiny insect that is often located at the base of the leaves and suck the sap contents. Adult thrips are pale yellow to light brown in colour, which are weak fliers. Immature stages are lighter in colour and wingless.

Damage symptoms • Symptoms begin at the margin of the fields.

• Silvery streaks on leaf surface • Pre-mature dropping of flowers • Bud necrosis.

• Vector of tomato spotted wilt virus.

MANAGEMENT

Dwarf marigold between blocks of the field

24

Tomato Farming Guide

Cultural control • Install blue and yellow stickers to monitor the movement of adult thrips.

• Covering the beds with UV absorbing vinyl film mulch.

• Plant dwarf Mexican marigold along the borders of the fields or between blocks (after every 16beds); the bright orange or yellow colour and strong scent of the flowers and leaves attract thrips and moths pests.

• Dwarf Mexican marigold along the borders of the field.

Chemical control • Drench seedlings with imidacloprid; 3 to 7 days before transplanting in •

•

field and drench imidacloprid again after planting.

Spray insecticides with spinosad, spinetoram or lambda cyahothrin or acephate or fipronil or spirotetramat. Under severe case, apply insecticides after every 5days. Spray insecticides early morning or late afternoon.

Soil treatment with application of 5% acephate or alpha cypermethrin

5. Tomato fruit worm (Helicoverpa armigera)

Tomato fruit worm is also known as corn earworm. Caterpillar colour varies from light green to reddish-brown, which usually has broad dark stripe with light stripe on the body. It is a caterpillar which eats inside part of the fruits, leaves and flowers. It induces rot and fruits become inedible.

Symptoms and damage • Big hole on the fruit is probably due to attack. Just open the fruit to observe caterpillar inside.

• Caterpillars bore holes on fruit promoting fruit rot .

• Damaged fruits ripen early, which are unmarketable.

• Small darkened hole at the base of the fruit pedicel.

• Attacked flower buds fall off prematurely.

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MANAGEMENT Cultural control • • • •

Plough/weed the field to expose the pupae to predators and desiccation.

Destroy damaged fruits, caterpillars and eggs.

Natural control: introduce l parasitic wasps, bugs and ants.

Plant African marigold along the borders and between 10-15 rows of the f to act as trap crop.

Chemical control • Spray pesticides with chlorantraniliprole or cyhalothrin or spinosad/spinetoram.

• Use of biopesticide like bacillus thuringiensis.

indoxacarb or lambda

6. Mites

Red spider mites

Broad mites

There 3 types of mites found on tomato plants: red spider mites/ two spotted mites (Tetranychus urticae) broad mites (polyyphagotarsonemus latus) and russet mite (aculops lycopersici). They are little mites,

which suck the sap by biting the underside of the leaves. First symptoms appear on young leaves and on terminal buds.

Damage symptoms: • Affected leaves become yellow silver little spots on the upper side of the leaves.

• Severe infestation larvae silken webbing on the leaves.

• The leaves are curled, deformed and small (broad mites).

• • • •

Can cause flower and fruit abortion (broad mites).

Greasy appearance that become bronzed (russet mite).

Leaves wither and dry.

Flower and fruit formation affected.

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Tomato Farming Guide

MANAGEMENT Cultural/mechanical control Mites Damage

• Install wind breaks around the field.

• Remove the pest damaged plant parts.

Chemical Control Apply specific and preventive miticides/pesticides containing, spiromesifen, bifenazate or abamectin.

7. Cutworm (Agrotis spp., spodoptera spp.)

Are mostly black caterpillars, which usually remain in the soil and feeds on the stems of the young seedlings. Cutworms come out at night to feed.

Cutworm on the soil surface

Tomato plant damage by cutworm

MANAGEMENT Cultural control • Plough and harrow the field to expose cutworms to predators and desiccation.

• Dig around the base of the damaged seedlings and destroy cutworms.

Chemical control Drench seedlings with pesticides having indoxacarb, lambda cyhalothrin or imidacloprid.

8. Aphids (aphis gossypii, myzus persicae) These are green-yellow little insects which live together and suck sap under the leaves, on stems and young buds.

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Symptoms and Damage Suck sap from leaf veins resulting in reduced growth. Aphids’ infestation is most prominent on newer, younger leaves in the center of the plant. Black wax like on the attacked leaves.

MANAGEMENT Cultural control • Install yellow sticky traps before planting to monitor the movement of adult aphids.

• Use reflective mulches to repel aphids.

• Make the field weed free.

Chemical Control • Spray insecticides with pymetrozine, spirotetramat or pyrethroid or group 4 (thiamethoxam/acetamiprid or imidacloprid). Always rotate classes of insecticides to minimize resistance of aphids to insecticides.

9. Fruit fly (ceratitis capitata, Dacus spp) Maggot eats inside of the fruits. Rotten parts are visible and fruits are inedible.

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Symptoms and Damage Fruits get rotten from the egg laying hole by opening fruit, you will notice several maggots. Fruit drops on the soil or can stay attached to the plant.

MANAGEMENT Cultural control • Set up insect traps like bactrocera traps to control adult fruit flies.

Chemical control Spray pesticides withindoxacarb, lambda cyhalothrin.

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DISEASES MANAGEMENT

Tomato crop is attacked by many types of fungus, bacteria and viruses. The most common diseases found in tomato farming are: Bacterial diseases • Bacteria spot • Bacteria canker • Bacteria wilt • Bacteria stem rot Fungal diseases • Damping off • Early blight • Late blight • Powdery mildew • Fusarium wilt • Septoria leaf blight • Gray leaf spot 30

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Viral diseases • Tomato yellow Leaf curl virus TYLCV • Tomato spotted wilt virus TSWV • Mosaic virus Don’t wait until disease symptoms begin to show, carry out preventive spraying with copper and sulphur based fungicides. Viral diseases can be controlled by controlling vectors e.g aphids, whiteflies, thrips, nematodes.

For the control of diseases, cultural methods are the best as discussed below.

1. Bacterial spot (xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria) Moist weather and splattering rains are conducive to disease development.

Symptoms develop rapidly at temperature above 20oC. The bacteria attack leaves, stems and fruits. The organism survives in alternate hosts, on volunteer tomato plants and on infected plant debris.

Symptoms and damage: • Disease can develop on all above ground plant parts, with lesions tending to be numerous on young foliage.

Foliar symptoms appear as dark, water soaked circular spots The spots become angular and the surface may appear greasy with translucent centers and black margins During period of high moisture, leaves will turn chlorotic and may eventually be blighted.

Fruit lesions are circular, brown with raised, coarse wart-like surface, which may be surrounded with white greasy appearing halo.

Cultural Control • Use resistant variety or diseased free transplants.

• Avoid overhead irrigation.

• Remove all crop residues.

• Practice crop rotation.

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Chemical control • Spray copper hydroxide or copper oxychloride.

• Apply fixed copper (copper hydroxide+ mancozeb) treatments as soon as the first sign is observed, and every 5-10days interval.

Possible confusions • Early blight • Grey leaf spot 2. Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) The disease is due to soil bacterium living in humid and heavy soil. The disease penetrates through roots or injuries. The disease spreads by water, agricultural tools or diseased transplants. The disease is favored by high temperatures between 240C-350C and high moisture. High moisture helps the bacteria infect the plants and spread within the field.

To test for this condition: cut the lower stem of the infected plant, place the cuts in water. Milky stream of bacteria will be observed oozing from the cut ends.

Symptoms and damage: Rapid and complete wilting of tomato plants whereas leaves keep green. Lower leaves may drop before wilting.

Vascular tissue may turn dark brown or hollow the stem as the disease progress/internal part of the stem gets brown.

Cultural Control: • Rotate with non-host crops; maize cowpea-maize and finger millet.

• Use seedlings from pathogen free seed beds.

• Restriction of irrigation water flowing from affected field to healthy field.

• Soil solarization.

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Biological Control: • Neem cake @ 100 kg/acre.

Chemical Control • Drench the soil with carbendazim 1g/l, copper oxychloride to manage BW. • Soil fumigation with metam sodium.

• No curative measures.

Possible Confusion • Fusarium wilt.

3. Bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis) Moist weather with intermittent showers and splattering rains are conducive for disease development. Symptoms develop rapidly at temperature around 28oC. The bacteria attack leaves, stems and fruits. The organism survives on infected plant debris and seed and also on solanaceous weeds such as Solanum nigrum.

Symptoms and Damage: • Vascular discolouration is seen in split open stems. Pitch tissue may later deteriorate.

• Light coloured streaks on stems and petioles at the joints.

• Cracks develop in streaks and form cankers • Slimy bacterial ooze through the cracks in humid weather.

• Adventitious roots may develop, which may turn yellow to brown cankers.

• Necrosis at the margin of the leaves, which spread inwards.

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• Leaves may exhibit greenish-grey lesions of collapsed tissue commonly viewed in greenhouse.

• Leaflets on one side of rachis show withering initially-unilateral wilting.

• The centres of spots become slightly raised, tan coloured and rough.

• Small, shallow, water soaked, spots with white halo develop on fruits.

Cultural Control • Use resistant variety.

• Avoid overhead irrigation.

• Remove all crop residues.

• Practice crop rotation.

Chemical Control • Use treated seeds or transplants or drench seedlings with copper oxychloride before transplanting to the main field.

• Apply fixed copper (copper hydroxide+ mancozeb) treatments as soon as the first sign is observed, and every 5-10days interval.

4. Bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae pv.)

This bacteria attack fruits, leaves stems and flowers. Cool to moderate temperatures (13-250C) and rainfall/sprinkler irrigation favours development of the bacterium. The organism survives on infected plant debris, seeds and also on solanaceous weeds such as Solanum nigrum.

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Symptoms and damage:

Fruits: small round black superficial lesions develop on the fruit skin.

• Leaves develop small dark brown to black spots often surrounded by yellow halo.

• The lesions have greasy appearance. Leaf lesions can also appear on leaf margin.

• Oval to elongated lesions may occur on stems and petioles.

Cultural control • Use resistant variety.

• Avoid overhead irrigation.

• Remove all crop residues.

• Practice crop rotation.

Chemical control • Use treated seeds or transplants or drench seedlings with copper oxychloride before transplanting to the main field.

• Apply fixed copper or (copper hydroxide+ mancozeb; to increase efficacy) as preventive treatment or as soon as the first sign is observed, spray every 5-10days interval.

Note: be sure to follow label directions on all products when making a tank mix; the most restrictive label precautions and limitations must be followed.

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5. Damping Off (Pythium phytophthora, botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solan) It is caused by several fungi that attack the roots and the stem of the plant.

Usually attacks plants in the seedbeds. Seedlings can be affected before or after emergence. The conditions favouring development of the disease are high humidity, high soil moisture, and low temperatures below 24oC for a few days, crowded seedlings, dampness due to high rainfall and poor drainage.

Symptoms and damage • Damping off of tomato occurs in two stages, i.e. the preemergence and the postemergence phase.

• In the pre-emergence the phase the seedlings are killed just before they reach the soil-surface.

• The young radical and the plumule are killed and there is complete rotting of the seedlings.

• The post-emergence phase is characterized by the infection of the young, juvenile tissues of the collar at the ground level.

• The infected tissues become soft and water soaked. The seedlings topple over or collapse.

Cultural control: • Excessive watering and poorly drained areas of field should be avoided.

• Use raised beds: 15 cm height is better for water drainage or use pro-trays for raising seedlings.

Biological Control: • Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride 1 %WP @ 9 g/kg of seed.

Chemical Control: • Use seeds treated with thiram or metalaxyl.

• Drench the plants/seedlings with metalaxyl+ mancozeb or Beauveria bassiana.

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Possible confusion • Excessive fertilization.

• • • •

Stress due to excess water.

Excess soluble salts.

Pesticides residues.

Excessive heat or cold.

6. Septoria leaf spot (Seproria lycopersici) It is fungus that induces lesions on leaves and stems;fruits are rarely attacked.

The fungus spread quickly by wind, rains or through irrigation. Moist weather with intermittent showers, poor plant vigour and high humidity or persistent dew (between 20-25°C) favours spores development. The organism survives on infected plant debris and on various weeds.

Symptoms and damage: • Less vigorous plant are usually affected • Small, round to irregular spots with a grey center and dark margin on leaves.

• Spots usually start on lower leaves and gradually advance upwards.

• Spots coalesce and leaves are blighted.

• Complete defoliation of affected leaves.

• Elongated lesions with pycnidia developing in the centers of the lesions.

Cultural control: • Removal and destruction of the affected plant parts.

Chemical control: • Spray with mancozeb 75% WP @ 600-800g in 300 l of water/acre

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7. Gray leaf spot (Stemphyllum spp.)

It is fungus that induces spots on leaf and sometimes stems; fruits are rarely affected. The fungus spread quickly by rains or through irrigation. Warm and wet condition favours spores development. A foliar symptom is mostly prevalent during seedling stage.

Symptoms and Damage Leaves: several red to brown spots with angular shape. The spots later expand to lesions with grayishbrown centers and red to brown margins Under severe infestation, the leaves turn yellow and can fall off.

The lesions eventually dry and the tissue in the center of the lesions crack.

Cultural control: • Avoid over-head irrigation/watering.

• Avoid putting seedbed near to tomato or pepper production field.

Chemical control: • Treat seedlings with protective maneb to reduce losses.

• Apply fungicides with mancozeb once first symptoms appear and after each rain or watering.

Possible Confusions: • Cercospora leaf spot.

• Bacteria leaf spot.

• Early blight.

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8. Early blight (Alternaria tomatophila) This is a common disease of tomato occurring on the foliage at any stage of the growth. It stays in crop residues and seeds. It can be spread easily by rain and wind.

Symptoms and damage: Start as small black lesions; mostly on the older foliage.

• Round spots with yellow borders.

• Spots grow up forming concentric patterns on leaves while on stems are more elongated with grey center.

The fungus also infects the fruit, generally through the calyx or stems attachment and spread concentrically by forming a slight cavity. Lesions appear dark brown, elongated and sunken on stems and petioles.

Cultural Control: • Use resistant or tolerant cultivars.

• Change the nursery beds location every season, eradicate weeds and volunteer tomato plants, fertilize properly.

• Avoid planting overlapping crops in adjacent area.

Chemical Control: • Spray chlorothalonil or mancozeb or copper oxychloride or copper hydroxide or Bacillus Subtilis.

Possible confusions: • Bacterial spot.

• Gray leaf spot.

9. Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) This fungus affects all parts of the plant. It needs water and living plants to survive and appreciate rainy and cold conditions. It can spread quickly by rain and watering.

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Symptoms and Damage • First symptom is bending down of petiole of infected leaves.

• Irregular, oily and light black patches appear on the leaves. Patches spread quickly all over the plant.

• Rapid blighting of foliage may occur during periods of warm, moist period.

• Fruits get dark, harder with a lumpy shape.

• Oily and light black patches on fruits.

• Light black and water-soaked patches appear on stem.

Cultural Control: • Avoid overhead watering.

• Use resistant or tolerant cultivars.

• Avoid planting on land previously cropped with potatoes or near potato field.

Chemical Control: • Apply famoxadone + cymoxanil, dimethomorph, azoxystrobin or copper hydroxide.

Possible Confusions: • Early blight.

• Anthrocnosis.

• Sunburn.

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10. Powdery mildew(Leveillula taurica) It is caused by fungus Leveillula taurica, which primarily affect the old leaves, usually under hot and humid condition (temperatures above 180C). It is spread majorly by wind and sometimes by rain.

Symptoms and Damage • Yellow blotches on the upper leaves • Patchy brown on the underside of the leaves.

This fungus induces yellow blotches on the upper leaves and a patchy white, powdery growth that enlarges to cover the underside of the leaves. Diseased leaves eventually fall off, exposing fruits to sun scald Cultural Control • Remove weeds and plant residues from the previous crop.

• Avoid planting young pepper plants nearby old diseased pepper plants.

• Avoid over-crowding of plants; encourage good plant spacing.

Chemical Control • Apply preventive fungicides with sulphur [Neem oil 7ml/l + sulphur WDG-80 (2g/l)] or azoxystrobin/+difenoconazole or trifloxystrobin on the underside of the leaves.

• Rotate with fungicides with different mode of action.

• Under severe case: repeat fungicide applications at 7-day intervals to control the disease. Stop treatments within two weeks of harvest.

NOTE: avoid spraying sulphur fungicides during warm sunny conditions to prevent phytotoxicity.

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11. Anthrocnose (Colletotrichum coccodes) The fungus mostly attacks ripening fruits, when fruits are in contact with the soil. The fungus can be introduced on seeds and survive on crop debris.

This disease is favored by periods of high rainfall and high humidity with temperature ranging from 200C-250C. Symptoms and Damage • Round, concave depression with light brown spots.

• presence of light brown concentric patterns on the center of the spot.

Cultural Control • Avoid overhead irrigation.

• Support fruits not to get contact with the soil surfaces.

• Rotation with non-host plants.

• Use pathogen-free seeds.

• Remove diseased plants/crop residues.

Chemical control • Apply preventive fungicides with azoxytrobin/ difenoconazole, chlorothalonil, mancozeb as soon as the first fruit is formed.

12. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici) It is soil fungus that attacks the roots and kills the plant. Fusarium oxysporum can stay active in the soil for many years. The fungus can lead to crown and root rot. Low Soil PH of 5-5.6; acidic and warm weather of about 28oC favours the growth of the fungus. Disease is most prevalent on acidic, sandy soils. The disease usually appears during fruiting stage.

Symptoms and Damage: • The first symptom of the disease is clearing of the veinlets and chlorosis of the leaves.

• Yellowing on one side of the leaf or branch, which late the entire branch turn yellow.

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• Affected leaves wither and die especially during the warmest hours of the day.

• Plant wilt from the bottom to the top until death of the plant.

• Red-brown discoloration along the vascular tissue of the stem

Cultural Control • Crop rotation with non-host crops for 3-4years.

• Use resistant varieties.

• Soil PH management; incase the soil is acidic, lime soil to be at least 6.5-7 • Use nitrate nitrogen instead of ammoniacal nitrogen.

Biological Control: • Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride 1%WP @ 9 g/kg seed.

• Root zone application: Mix thoroughly 2.5kg of the Trichoderma viride 1% WP in 150 kg of compost or farmyard manure and apply this mixture in the field after sowing/transplanting of crops.

Chemical Control • Drench plants with carbendezium.

• Soil fumigation with metam sodium.

• No curative solution.

Possible Confusion • Bacteria wilt.

• Verticilium wilt.

13. Verticilium wilt (Verticilium dahliae) This is mould of the soil that penetrates through roots. It can survive in the soil for long time. Its development is favoured by mild temperatures and can affect plants at all stages of development. Symptoms often severe at fruit set or during dry periods.

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Symptoms and damage • Wilting of older leaves begins at the leaflet margins, which progress to yellow then brown V-shaped lesions.

When the base of the main stem is cut at the crown, dark brown discoloration of the vascular tissue is seen. Discoloration does not extend up the main stem.

(Stem cross section showing diseased (left) and healthy (right) vascular tissue).

Cultural Control • Use resistant varieties.

• Crop rotation with non-host crops for 3-4years.

• Remove diseased plants and weed filed.

Chemical Control • Preplant soil fumigation with metam sodium; when metam is applied to the soil for weed control, concurrent reductions of Verticillium propagules often occur.

• No curative solution.

Possible Confusion • Fusarium wilt.

• White mold.

14. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV): Virus (begomovirus) reduces the plant development. TYLCV is transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).

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Symptoms and damage: • Leaf curl disease is characterized by severe stunting of the plants.

• Older leaves become leathery and brittle. The nodes and internodes are significantly reduced in size.

• The infected plants look pale and produce more lateral branches giving a bushy appearance.

• The newly emerging leaves exhibit slight yellow colouration and later they also show curling symptoms.

• Leaflets are often small, chlorotic, cupped upward and have leathery texture.

Cultural control • Grow tolerant varieties.

• Protect nursery with an insect proof net.

• Weed the plot and remove all contaminated plants.

Chemical control • Use preventive insecticides to control whitefly.

15. Tomato virus diseases: (Tobacco Mosaic Virus TMV, Tomato Mosaic Virus ToMV, Tomato Mottled Mosaic Virus ToMMV) There different viruses that cause tomato mosaic. These are Tobacco Mosaic Virus TMV, Tomato Mosaic Virus ToMV, Tomato Mottled Mosaic Virus ToMMV etc. Tobacco mosaic virus (tobamovirus) is transmiited by direct contact with the plant during cultural works and wind.

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Symptoms and damage: • Leaves turn mosaic and have different sizes ranging from light green to dark green.

• The leaflets of affected leaves are usually distorted, puckered and smaller than normal. Sometimes the leaflets become indented resulting in “fern leaf” symptoms.

• Greenish rings and necrotics area on green or ripe fruits.

• Uneven repining of the fruit, which exhibit internal browning of the fruit wall.

Cultural practices: • Seeds from disease free healthy plants should be selected for sowing or use resistant varieties.

• Protect nursery with an insect-proof net.

• Weed the plot and all contaminated plants.

Chemical control • Use preventive insecticides against aphids, whiteflies and thrips.

Possible confusion • Cucumber mosaic virus.

• Damages linked to herbicide.

16. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) Virus (tospovirus) reduces the plant development. TSWV is transmitted by the thrips. The symptoms tend to be severe when the plant is affected when young.

Symptoms and damage: • Inward cupping of the leaves and chlorotic or necrotic rings form on the leaves.

• Thickening of veins and bronzing of young leaves Growing tips may die-back and terminal branches may be streaked.

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• Pale red or yellow areas with concentric circular marking in the normal red skin of ripe tomato are formed.

• Discoloration of seed can be seen when fruit is cut.

Chemical Control • Apply systemic insecticides to the soil at planting to slow the initial spread of the virus into the field.

• Apply foliar insecticides later when thrips begin to build up (see under thrips).

• Spray weeds bordering the field with insecticides.

Nematode Disease 1. Root Knot Nematode This is microscopic soil worm living in hot, humid and airy soil that enters the plant through roots and cause disease and eventually plant death.

Symptoms and Damage • Presence of a lot of galls/knots on the root surface.

• Leaves yellowing and wilting from bottom to top.

• The plants become sensitive to drought.

Cultural Control • Use of resistant varieties.

• Crop rotation with non-host crops for 2-3years.

• Soil solarization.

• Soil PH management.

Chemical Control • Soil application of bacillus subtilis e.g. Real bacillus.

• Fumigant with chloropicrin, metam sodium (restricted use for amateur).

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PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS 1. Blossom-end rot: Blossom-end rot (BER) is caused by a localized Ca deficiency in the developing fruit.

Damage Symptoms Begins with light tan, water-soaked areas that can then enlarge and turn black and leathery in appearance.

Most often the problem occurs at the blossom end of the fruit.

Possible Causes • Low soil Ca, high N rates, using ammoniacal sources of N. • High concentrations of soluble K and Mg in the soil.

• High salinity, low humidity, inadequate or excess soil moisture, damage to root system by Nematodes, diseases etc. increases the BERproblem.

Correction measure: • Soil applications of Ca materials, • Proper fertilization and good watermanagement can prevent the problem.

2. Cat-face Damage Symptoms The defect is usually located on the blossom end of the fruit. The deformity is starts occurring during the formation of the flower that results in the fruit not developing normally.

Possible Causes Low temperatures, herbicide drifts, heavy thrips feeding and little leaf disease.

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Correction measure: • Avoiding spray drift, water logging etc. can reduce the problem.

3. Puffiness/Hollowness: When this problem is slight, it may be impossible to detect puffiness until fruit are cut.

Damage Symptoms When fruit are cut, open cavities are observed between the seed gel area and the outer wall. Fruits are also very light in relation to size.

Possible Causes • Inadequate pollination, fertilization, or seed development.

• Too low or high temperatures during fruit set.

• High N, low light or rainy conditions.

Correction measure: • Application of balanced N doses may reduce the problem.

4. Cracking Cracking occurs when the internal expansion is faster than the expansion of the epidermis and the epidermis splits. Varieties differ greatly in their susceptibility to cracking.

Correction measure: • Control is through selecting tolerant varieties.

• Reducing fluctuations in soil moisture.

• Maintaining good foliage cover, since exposed fruit are more susceptible.

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Nutrient Deficiency The illustration below shows nutrient deficiency symptoms in a plant.

1. Nitrogen deficiency • Nitrogen plays a role in production of chlorophyll and amino acids.

Deficiency Symptoms • Lower leaves become yellowish first while upper leaves remain green/pale green with small sized leaves.

• Under severe case: leaves approach yellowish white colour.

• Yellowing is uniform over the entire leaf including veins.

Causes/occurrence • Absence of nitrogen in the soil due to leaching.

• Over-watering the plant leading to leaching of nitrates ions.

• Low nitrogen level in the soil.

• Occurrence on sandy soils especially after heavy rain or after over irrigation and also on organic soils during cool growing seasons.

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Nutrient Corrective Measures • In over-flooded field; let the field dry then spray foliar with magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) at rate of 2 table spoonful per litre of water. This will help in recovery of chlorophyll production.

• Additional amounts may be supplied to the crop with sidedressing or topdressing applications or in irrigation water. Apply at a rate of 15kg -25kg per acre.

• If urea is used, it should be buried 5cm away from the plant root base.

• Fertigating using urea. Mix urea 3g in litre of water. Fertigate 25ml of fertilizer solution per plant.

2. Phosphorus deficiency • Phosphorus plays a role in root development and reproduction.

Deficiency Symptoms • Older leaves become dark green, flushing to purple.

• Distinct purpling of stem, petiole and under sides of the leaves.

• Plants unlikely to flower.

Causes/Occurrence • Low phosphorus level in the soil.

• Plant unable to absorb phosphorus ions in the soil due to low temperatures, low soil PH. • Excessive iron in the soil that hamper uptake of phosphorus.

• Occurrence on acidic soils or very basic soils. Also when soils are cool and wet.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • In season surface application on row crops is not normally recommended.

However, for severe deficiency, incorporate 15kg -20kg per acre of phosphate (P2O5) as early in the season as possible.

• Use fertilizer with high ratio of phosphorus like triple superphosphate (TSP).

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3. Potassium Deficiency • Potassium plays a major role in plant health; aiding in disease resistance, aiding photosynthesis and in creating sturdy stems.

Deficiency Symptoms • Scorched leaf tips and in the edges at the middle of the plant.

• Associated with necrotic tip or leaf tip burn.

• Stems become brittle.

• Older leaves shows mottled pattern.

• Yellow or dead patches develop on the leaves.

Causes/Occurrence • Excessive perspiration of plants.

• Excessive calcium or sodium can displaced potassium.

• Low potassium level in the soil.

• Occurrence on sandy soils following leaching rains or over irrigation.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • In season application of potassium on row crops may not be effective, except on sandy soil where leaching can occur.

• For severe deficiency, incorporate 15kg - 25kg per acre of potash (K2O) during early growth.

• Foliar application of Potash of Sulphate.

4. Calcium deficiency • Calcium plays role in plant cell division.

Deficiency Symptoms • Distorted new growth and weakened stems.

• New leaves have a twisted wrinkled appearance and edges become necrotic.

• Old leaves are not affected.

• Deficient during fruiting; fruits develop blossom end rot.

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Causes/Occurence • Excessive nitrogen and/or potassium hinders calcium uptake.

• Low transpiration due to dry soil • Low calcium level in the soil • Occurrence on strongly acidic soils, or during severe droughts Nutrient Corrective Measures • Application of calcium foliar (calcium sulphate, calcium nitrate) at the rate of 500g-1000g per acre.

• Adequate watering of plants • Adequate application of nitrogen and potassium 5. Iron deficiency • iron plays an important role in the production of chlorophyll and enzymes Deficiency Symptoms • Inter-veinal chlorosis; yellowing of the whole leaves whilst leaf veins remain green • Affects new leaves.

• Under severe cases; leaf tissue becomes completely white.

Causes/Occurence • Lock out of nutrients with iron: excessive phosphorus, high soil Ph., high temperatures • Low iron level in the soil • Common in calcareous soil • Occurrence on soils with pH above 6.8.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • Application of ferrous sulphate foliar at the rate of 500g-1000g per acre • Adjust nutrient lock out with iron.

• Apply moderate chelated iron.

6. Magnesium deficiency • Magnesium helps support health leaf tissue and aids in photosynthesis Tomato Farming Guide

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Deficiency Symptoms • Chlorosis of the lower leaves from the leaf tips moving inwards or around the leaf margin.

• The affected areas become pale yellow while the leaf veins remain green.

• Plant growth is stunted.

Causes/Occurence • Lockout of nutrients like potassium with magnesium.

• Low magnesium level in the soil.

• Occurrence on strongly acidic soils, or on leached sandy soils.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • Application of magnesium sulphate 2% foliar (Epsom salts) at the rate of 500g-1000g per acre.

• Apply Epsom salts 2 table spoons per litre of water.

• In case of nutrient lock out, application of Epsom salts have little or no effect.

Boron • Boron plays a vital role in fruit set in tomato plants.

Deficiency Symptoms • Necrosis of meristematic tissues in the growing region.

• The leaves are unusually brittle and tend to break easily.

• The symptoms resemble that of calcium deficiency.

Causes/Occurrence • On soils with pH above 6.8 or on sandy, leached soils, or on crops with very high demand such as cole crops.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • Foliar spray of borax @ 0.2%.

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Zinc • Zinc application increase the plant growth and fruit yield.

Deficiency Symptoms • Younger leaves become yellow and pitting develop in the inter-veinal upper surfaces of the mature leaves.

• Intense inter-veinal necrosis but the main veins remain green.

Occurrence • On wet, cold soils or where excessive phosphorus is present.

Nutrient Corrective Measures • Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5%

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Literature and Internet References AESA based IPM – Tomato.

Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida.

Tropical Vegetable Plants and Diseases Identification.

Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States - 2008.

Vegetable Crop Protection Guide.

Cost and Returns of Tomato Production.

Crop production guide 2013 -Horti-TNAU. Tomato disease field guide.

Tomato Anna F1 Grower’s Handbook.

Hanson P, Chen JT, Kuo CG, Morris R, Opeña RT. 2000. Suggested Cultural Practces for Tomato.AVRDC publicaton #00-508.

Lin L-J, Luther GC, Hanson P. (2015). Raising healthy tomato seedlings.

Lal G, Chen Y-M, Midmore DJ. 1992. Vegetable nursery management techniques.

AVRDC publicaton #92-390. http://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/ vegetables-1/tomato-1 http://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/3/7/b/7/37b706b82ed6d50353 236c3059736978/pub1808greenhousetomatoes1.pdf. http://www.haifa-group.com/files/Guides/tomato/Tomato.pdf. https://issuu.com/sureshlm9/docs/tomato_disease_guide. http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/success_stories/T&PGuide/Chapter5.shtm. http://www.tutaabsoluta.com/tuta-absoluta.

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TOMATO FARMING GUIDE PRACTICAL HAND BOOK Open Field and Green House

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