What are the major diseases that can occur in tomato plants in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, tomato plants can be affected by several major diseases. Here are some of the common ones[1]:
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Damping Off: Damping off is a fungal disease that affects tomato seedlings. It causes rotting of the stem at the soil line, leading to wilting and death of the young plants[1].
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Early Blight: Early blight is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Alternaria solani. It leads to the appearance of dark, concentric rings on the leaves, along with brown lesions and defoliation[1].
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Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soilborne fungal disease caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. It results in the yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves, ultimately leading to plant death[1].
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Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. It causes dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced fruit yield[1].
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Bacterial Wilt: Bacterial wilt is caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. It causes wilting of leaves, drooping of petioles, and the appearance of brown streaks on the stem. The petioles may turn black and cankerous[1].
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Tomato Leaf Curl Virus: Tomato leaf curl virus is a viral disease transmitted by whiteflies. It causes severe curling, yellowing, and stunting of the leaves, as well as reduced fruit production[1].
These are just a few examples of the major diseases that can affect tomato plants in Tamil Nadu. It's important to take preventive measures such as using disease-resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, maintaining proper sanitation, and implementing appropriate cultural practices to minimize the impact of these diseases[1].
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