Suttur, June 22, 2023: The ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, took a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture by conducting a comprehensive training program on Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Tomato Crop. The program, held in Haratale Village, Nanjangud Taluk, aimed to educate farmers on effective strategies to combat various diseases and pests that commonly afflict tomato crops.
During his address, Dr. Prasad Y.P., Crop Conservation Scientist at JSS KVK, provided detailed insights into the different diseases that can impact tomato crops, such as seedling blight disease, first Anthracnose disease, late Anthracnose disease, late blight disease, bacterial spec disease, leaf spot disease, tomato leaf miner, fruit borer, whiteflies, thrips, and more. Dr. Prasad highlighted the prevalence of the last Anthracnose disease, which affects tomato crops significantly, particularly in environments with high moisture levels.
To mitigate these challenges, Dr. Prasad recommended the cultivation of the ‘Arka Abhed’ variety, known for its resistance to multiple diseases. Additionally, he advised farmers to regularly spray recommended pesticides at 15-day intervals, utilizing formulations such as 2g Mancozeb, 75 WB or Mandipropamid 23.4, S.C. 0.8 ml/l, or Azaksistrabin 18.2+Dyphenoconazole 11.4 S.C. 1 ml/l.
Dr. Vinay G.M., a Horticulture Scientist, further elucidated the various scientific methods that can be adopted to optimize tomato cultivation practices, ensuring healthy and robust yields.
As part of the training program’s practical application, Arka Microbial consortium, vegetable seeds, bio-fertilizers, and Arka Abhed variety plants were distributed to 20 participating farmers, enabling them to implement the demonstrated techniques effectively.
Among the attendees, the program saw the active participation of Gram Panchayat member Govindaraju, as well as villagers Raju, Kokesh, and others, who eagerly embraced the knowledge shared during the training, subsequently benefiting their agricultural practices.
