Explore important strategies and concepts in protecting tomato plants from diseases, pests, and environmental threats in horticulture. Sharpen your skills in identifying and managing tomato plant health challenges.
Which of the following fungal diseases is most commonly associated with circular, dark spots and yellowing on tomato leaves, especially during humid weather?
Explanation: Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani, produces circular, dark brown spots with a yellow halo on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Powdery mildew shows a white powdery growth, not dark spots. Bacterial wilt is caused by bacteria, not fungi, and results in plant wilting. Tomato spotted wilt is a viral disease with bronze rings, not typical dark spots.
Why is practicing crop rotation recommended for tomato growers aiming to reduce disease risk?
Explanation: Crop rotation disrupts the continuous life cycles of soil-borne pests and pathogens by changing plant hosts, thus lowering the chances of infection. While it benefits soil health, it does not directly boost fruit size, sunlight exposure, or speed up ripening.
A grower notices whiteflies infesting tomato plants. What is the most immediate and environment-friendly way to reduce their population?
Explanation: Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings is an environmentally friendly method of controlling whiteflies. Spraying chemicals without diagnosis can harm beneficial insects and the environment. Covering plants in plastic bags can overheat or suffocate them. Removing lower leaves doesn't target the whiteflies directly.
When using chemical fungicides to protect tomato plants, what practice best ensures safety for both the grower and environment?
Explanation: Reading and following fungicide label instructions ensures proper use, minimizes risk, and protects both people and the environment. Doubling the dose, ignoring weather, or mixing chemicals without knowledge can lead to ineffective treatment, harm, or contamination.
If a tomato plant develops sunken, dark spots on the blossom end of its fruit, which plant protection strategy is most effective to prevent further cases?
Explanation: Blossom-end rot is usually caused by irregular watering and calcium deficiency, so maintaining soil moisture and calcium levels prevents it. Increasing nitrogen slightly can worsen the problem. Insecticides don't address this physiological disorder, and sunlight reduction is not a solution.