MANAGEMENT OF TOMATO LEAF CURL VIRUS THROUGH NON-CHEMICALS IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Abstract

Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV) is one of the most devastating and widely distributed viruses in the tomato crop, transmitted through whitefly in nature. Disease incidence and severity of TLCV were monitored on four tomato varieties/lines. Tomato leaf curl disease was managed through three non-chemical treatments viz., compost, nutrient enrich compost and multi-nutrients. The incidence of TLCV was found in the range of 57% to 70%. Among all the tomato varieties/lines, VRI-49 was moderately resistant, Nagina and Money Maker were susceptible, and VRI-20 was found to be highly susceptible against TLCV. Compost (44.02±3.26c) was the most effective way to suppress the progression of disease severity. Environmental factors (Max. and Min. temperatures, Relative humidity and Rainfall) showed significant correlation with disease development. Treatments were able to suppress the disease development even in the presence of favorable environmental conditions. The increase in relative humidity increased the disease progression significantly.