Tomatoes are a cash crop in Nigeria, providing income and nutrition for millions of people. However, tomato plants are susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant losses for farmers. In this article, we will explore five major tomato diseases in Nigeria and discuss their management.
Powdery Mildew
Caused by: Leveillula taurica (Fungi)
Symptoms: White or grayish powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Spots can merge, making leaves distorted or stunted.
Treatment: Deep tillage, crop rotation, and fungicide application.
Early Blight
Caused by: Alternaria fungus
Symptoms: Circular brown spots on the leaves, which cause defoliation, premature ripening, and fruit decay.
Treatment: Plant-resistant varieties (Ansal F1, Diva, Assila); practice crop rotation and deep tillage; apply fungicide (SAAF, Skywalk).
Late Blight
Caused by: Phytophthora infestans
Symptoms: Water-soaked lesions on the leaves that cause defoliation, fruit rot, and yield loss.
Treatment: Plant-resistant varieties, crop rotation, deep tillage, and fungicide application (RidomilGold Mz, Cdn Thunda).
Bacterial Wilt
Caused by; Bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum.
Symptoms: Wilting of the leaves and stem and eventual plant death. Bacterial wilt can cause up to 100% yield loss in severe cases.
Treatment: Plant-resistant hybrids (Ansal F1), crop rotation, removal of infected plant debris, and sterilization of soil.
Fusarium Wilt
Caused by: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Symptoms: Wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing of the lower leaves. The disease can also cause premature ripening and decay of the fruit.
Treatment: Use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, the removal of infected plant debris, and fungicide applications.
In conclusion, managing tomato diseases in Nigeria requires a combination of good agricultural practices (GAP), the use of resistant varieties, and crop protection practices. Farmers should also practice good sanitation and avoid planting tomato crops in the same location every season. By implementing these management practices, farmers can minimize the impact of tomato diseases and increase their yield and income.
Plant-resistant varieties of tomatoes such as Diva F1, Platinum 701 F1, Padma 108 F1, Batool F1, and Ansal F1 and use crop protection products such as Skywalk, Glory, RidomilGold Mz, and Cdn Thunda to control various diseases and pests. Call or WhatsApp The SeedHub at 09065126356 or 07040184913 to place an order. We deliver nationwide.
