Sure, here’s an article on controlling powdery mildew in tomato:
Tomatoes are a popular vegetable crop that is enjoyed by many. However, they are susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause significant damage to tomato plants by reducing their yield. It can be devastating for farmers and growers who rely on tomato crops for food production and livelihood.
Preventing powdery mildew
Prevention is always better than cure. There are several practices that farmers can adopt to prevent powdery mildew from infecting their tomato plants.
1. Plant resistant varieties
Planting resistant tomato varieties is one of the easiest ways to prevent powdery mildew. Some of the resistant varieties available in the market include Celebrity, Big Beef, and Sun Gold.
2. Proper spacing
Proper spacing can help reduce the humidity levels around the plants, which is a perfect environment for powdery mildew to flourish. Tomatoes should be spaced wide enough to allow proper ventilation between plants.
3. Remove infected leaves
If you notice powdery mildew on one or two leaves, it’s important to remove those leaves immediately. This will prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the plant.
4. Monitor humidity levels
Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions. Farmers should monitor humidity levels in the greenhouse or garden to ensure they don’t exceed 60%. They should also ensure the plants get sufficient sunlight.
Treating powdery mildew
If powdery mildew has already infected your tomato plants, there are still several measures that farmers can take to control its spread.
1. Fungicides
There are various fungicides available in the market, and they can be used to control powdery mildew. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the fungicides.
2. Baking Soda Spray
A baking soda spray can be used as a natural remedy to control powdery mildew. Simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to a gallon of water and spray the solution on the infected plants.
3. Neem oil spray
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can help control powdery mildew. Farmers can use it as a spray on affected tomato plants to limit the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants. It’s important for farmers to adopt preventive measures like planting resistant varieties, proper spacing, and removing infected leaves to reduce the risk of infection. In case the plants are already infected, they can use fungicides, baking soda spray, or neem oil spray to control the spread of the disease.