Tomato powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants, especially in greenhouses and high tunnels. It reduces the photosynthetic activity and yield of the plants and that causes 10 to 90 percent yield losses in tomatoes. The disease is caused by different species of fungi, such as Oidium neolycopersicum, Leveillula taurica, and Erysiphe orontii. The disease was first reported in France in the 1840s and later spread to other regions of the world.
Mode of Spread:Spores are easily dislodged from the infected leaves and carried long distances by wind and air currents
Most Affected Plant Part:Leaf
Environmental Factors Favorable for disease/pest development
Temperature:Optimum temperature between the 60 to 80 °C range.
Relative Humidity:optimum RH for disease development is above 90%.
Most Affected States in India
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal
Spotting the Signs
Keep an eye out for these telltale symptoms of powdery mildew on your tomato plants:
Yellowing leaves: As the fungus feeds on the plant, affected leaves will develop yellow blotches or patches. These areas may become distorted and curl upwards.
Stunted growth: Powdery mildew weakens the plant, hindering its ability to grow and produce fruit. You may notice stunted growth and a lack of vigor in affected plants.
Leaf drop: In severe cases, leaves may turn brown, dry out, and eventually fall off the plant. This reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize and can significantly impact yield.
Building Strong Defenses
The best defense is a good offense! Here's how to create a healthy environment that discourages powdery mildew:
Plant Selection: Choose tomato varieties known for mildew resistance. Look for labels mentioning "resistant to Leveillula taurica" – a common powdery mildew culprit.
Spacing: Ensure proper air circulation between plants. This reduces humidity and discourages fungal growth. Prune away any suckers that grow between the main stem and branches to improve airflow.
Watering: Water deeply and directly at the soil base, avoiding leaves. Wet leaves create a breeding ground for mildew.
Encourage beneficial microbes in your soil! These tiny warriors help suppress fungal growth. Apply compost tea or commercially available beneficial bacteria products around the base of your tomato plants.
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