Autumn is an ideal season for tomato cultivation, as the temperature and humidity are generally suitable for plant growth. However, this period also brings a higher risk of diseases and pests, making proper management essential. Before covering the plants with plastic film, it's crucial to implement preventive measures and control strategies. Below are some common pests and diseases that affect tomatoes during autumn, along with practical solutions.
**Cracked Fruit**
Tomato cracking is a frequent physiological issue caused mainly by uneven water supply. To prevent this, choose varieties that are resistant to cracking and have thick, sturdy skin. Maintain consistent soil moisture through mulching or straw coverage, and avoid sudden changes in watering. Applying organic fertilizers can improve soil structure and water retention. Prune moderately to encourage healthy foliage and reduce direct sunlight on fruits. Harvest tomatoes before heavy rains, and consider spraying them with a protective film during fruit development to minimize cracking.
**Early Blight**
This fungal disease causes concentric brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. When wet, black mold may appear. To manage early blight, apply 70% mancozeb WP diluted at 500 times or 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 400 times. Spray every 7 days for 3–4 applications.
**Leaf Mold**
Leaf mold appears as yellow lesions with a brown mildew layer when wet, leading to leaf curling and drop. Use 70% mancozeb WP (500x) combined with a new high-fat film, or spray 50% thiophanate-methyl at 800–1000 times. Repeat every 7 days for 3–4 times.
**Gray Mold**
Gray mold affects flowers and fruits, causing soft, gray patches. During flowering, mix 0.1% of 50% iprodione WP or 50% carbendazim wettable powder into the irrigation solution. Apply a new high-fat film during spraying, and rotate chemicals to avoid resistance. Alternatively, use 50% chlorothalonil dust at 300 grams per acre.
**Viral Diseases**
Symptoms include mottled leaves and stunted growth. At the first sign, spray 20% virus A WP at 500 times or 800 times dilution of virus spirit. Apply twice every 7 days.
**Late Blight**
This disease causes dark rot on stems and wilting leaves. When wet, white mold appears; when dry, lesions turn dark brown. Apply 40% phytomix WP at 300–400 times. Alternatively, use 5% chlorothalonil compound powder at 1 kg per acre, applying in the evening.
**Blossom End Rot**
This condition results in black, sunken areas on the bottom of fruits. Apply 1% superphosphate, calcium nitrate, or British calcium at 10-day intervals for 2–3 applications.
**Target Spot**
Lesions on leaves are round, with gray centers and dark edges. Apply 70% mancozeb WP (500x) or 50% carbendazim WP (500x). Spray every 7 days for 3–4 times.
**Bacterial Wilt**
Plants wilt during the day and recover at night, eventually dying. Cut the stem to check for white bacterial exudate. Treat with 25% DT wettable powder at 600 times, or irrigate with 200 mg/L streptomycin at 0.5 kg per plant, repeating every 7 days for 3–4 times.
**Insect Pests**
Cotton bollworms and aphids are common. For bollworms, spray insecticides like DT, AWD salts, or bio-pesticides every 5–7 days, rotating products to prevent resistance. For aphids, use anti-influx or imidacloprid for effective control.
Proper monitoring and timely intervention are key to maintaining healthy tomato crops during autumn. By following these practices, you can significantly reduce losses and ensure a better harvest.
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