Development of IPM technologies for tomato in central Uganda: evaluation of management practices on incidence of late blight on tomatoes

Abstract

The major production constraints of tomatoes, an important vegetable in Uganda, include Early and late blights (Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans), bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), aphids, thrips, mites, and American bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera). Farmers use synthetic pesticides that are expensive, not readily accessible, sometimes adulterated, and may not be used correctly and in the right concentrations. The IPM -CRSP tomato program carried out an on-station trial to determine the effect of management practices on the incidence of Phytophthora and insect pests on tomatoes. The trellising, staking, mulching and yellow thrips traps reduced infection of late blight compared to other management practices. Highest total and marketable yields were obtained from mulched plots and those which had yellow thrips traps. Perhaps thrips are also a factor in either spreading the late blight pathogens, or reducing the plants' ability to resist the disease.