Cultural management of Alternaria blight of tomato.

Abstract

The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most popular crops grow in India .The Alternaria blight of tomato caused by Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici is more severe and common disease in U.P. The importance of cultural practices is known from ancient time . Suitable adjustment in cultural practice can modify the environmental in such a manner that become unfavourable for the pathogen and thus the disease development . Disease intensity was reduce when shifting in date of transplanting was made for the disease indifferent crop varieties .The tomato crop transplanted in 2nd week of July .Showed less disease intensity (15.5 and 12.80 %) and in 4 week of September showed maximum(35.0and38.5%) in both the years (2003-04 and 2004-05). Using seven different soil amendments under field conditions.The minimum disease intensity (12.57and12.0%)was observed in application of Neem cake followed by Pyrite and wheat straw was least effective in controlling the disease in both the years of experimentation.