Showing posts with label Diagonising diseases of tomatoes in the greenhouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diagonising diseases of tomatoes in the greenhouse. Show all posts

Sunday 3 April 2011

Diagnosing diseases of tomatoes in the Greenhouse

1.Examine individual plants carefully, noting which leaves or other parts exhibit symptoms.2. Use a magnifying lens to look for signs of the presence pests themselves, eggs, cast skins, etc.), mold, and fungal spores on the top and bottom leaf surfaces.
3.Uproot a few plants from the soil or containers. Nematodes, worms and other pests feed on the roots leading to spreading of bacterial, fungal or viral diseases. This may lead to soft decay of roots and wilting of the plant.
4.Have an open mind. Where do symptoms occur most? Ask yourself this question. It may be where there is a drainage problem, where the roof of greenhouse is torn, at the openings. Solving this problem is the beginning of management of disease.
5. What is the history of the greenhouse? Consider the cultural practices that have been undertaken in the past. For example have you used manure for the first time, have you used any fertilizer/material at a higher rate than usual.
6.Seek advice from experienced farmers, literature, and notes from grower seminars, Extension agents, and consultants.
7. Form a tentative diagnosis, and send samples representative of early and intermediate stages of the problem to a diagnostic lab.
8. After knowing the problem, get rid of plants with transmittable diseases and take appropriate control measures.
9. Maintain watch on the crop carefully. The preliminary finding is just a part of the story. For instance: You established a powdery mildew infestation and treated the crop for them, but a whitefly infestation they were carrying might appear later.

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