Explore key practices and challenges in managing tomato diseases, especially root-infecting fungi, in horticulture. Enhance your knowledge of identification, prevention, and control strategies for healthier tomato crops.
A tomato farmer observes yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, with brown streaks inside the stem when cut open. Which root fungus is most likely responsible?
Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum causes Fusarium wilt, characterized by yellowing, leaf wilting, and brown vascular streaks. Phytophthora infestans mainly causes late blight, affecting leaves and fruit. Alternaria solani is responsible for early blight, which shows as leaf spots. Cladosporium fulvum causes leaf mold, not internal stem browning or root issues.
Which cultural practice best helps in minimizing soil-borne fungal diseases in tomato crops?
Explanation: Crop rotation reduces the buildup of soil-borne pathogens by interrupting their life cycle. Continuous monoculture can increase disease risk. Overwatering promotes fungal growth by increasing soil moisture. Dense planting limits airflow and encourages disease spread.
A grower wants to reduce losses from root-related fungal diseases. Which strategy is most effective?
Explanation: Planting resistant varieties provides built-in protection against certain diseases. Relying solely on chemical fertilizers does not address disease resistance. Harvesting during the rainy season may increase some disease risks. Avoiding pruning can lead to overcrowded canopies, facilitating disease.
Why is good soil drainage important in managing tomato root diseases like Pythium and Rhizoctonia?
Explanation: Proper drainage prevents the wet soil that root pathogens like Pythium and Rhizoctonia prefer. While drainage indirectly supports nutrient absorption, its primary disease role is limiting fungus-friendly environments. Blossom production and sunburn are unrelated to drainage.
When using fungicides for tomato root diseases, what is an essential factor to ensure effectiveness and safety?
Explanation: Using fungicides as per label recommendations ensures efficacy and minimizes risks. Doubling the dose can cause toxicity and resistance. Application during windstorms leads to drift and poor coverage. Spraying only the fruit does not control root diseases.