Tomato Crop Under Threat: Pests & Diseases Surge in April, Farmers Urged to Act

• Changing weather increases risk of pests like Whitefly, Fruit Borer, Caterpillar, and diseases like Early/Late Blight, Leaf Curl Virus in tomato crops.
• Shiv Shankar Verma, Officer-in-Charge at State Agricultural Center Shivgarh, Raebareli, advises farmers on preventive measures.
• Fruit Borer: Use pheromone traps, neem-based pesticides, or Spinosad/Flubendiamide.
• Whitefly: Install yellow sticky cards, spray neem oil, or Thiamethoxam to prevent sap-sucking and Leaf Curl Virus spread.
• Early Blight: Use clean seeds, spray Mancozeb or Copper Oxychloride to combat brownish-black spots on leaves, fruits, and stems.

Key Questions Answered

How can farmers prevent tomato crop diseases effectively?

Farmers can prevent tomato crop diseases by using neem-based insecticides and specific chemical sprays. Applying neem oil (5ml/liter of water) is recommended.

What new pests threaten tomato crops in April?

Tomato crops in April face threats from whiteflies, fruit borers, caterpillars, and early blight. Additionally, "illli" and "kukra" diseases are spreading rapidly in vegetable crops due to high temperatures.