Disease Of Crops; TOMATO

EPISODE 3: TOMATO ROOT KNOT
This disease is caused by a parasitic nematode called (Meloidogyne incorgnita) It result in galling or swelling of the root of tomato and the yield has been known to be reduced by 50%.

Tomato Root Knot has the following symptoms stated below;

1)      Discoloration and twisting of the leaves

2)      Death of apical bud

3)      Excessive root branches

4)      Nematode attack predisposes the host plant to the other soil borne diseases e.g. Fusarium wilt.

5)      The root are heavily galled(swollen)

6)      The plant are stunted and lack vigor

7)      The plants are unable to withstand drought.

Preventive and control measures

1)      Use resistant varieties

2)      Apply nematicides e.g. nemagon to the soil one or two weeks before planting.

3)      Soil fumigation with methyl bromide or chloropicrin will eliminate the nematodes before planting.

4)      Flooding of the soil for about one month before planting can eliminate nematode.