Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on Wednesday demonstrated grafting technology for safeguarding tomato crops alongside imparting integrated pest and disease management practices at a field at Sattakkalputhur in Kinathukadavu block in the district.
The demonstration followed the successful outcome of research the TNAU undertook along with World Vegetable Center, Taiwan, on 'Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Tomato and Lablab Bean' with financial assistance from Plant Health Initiative. The WorldVeg standardized 'Tomato Grafting Technology' using disease-resistant brinjal rootstocks.
According to M. Shanthi, Director, Centre for Plant Protection Studies, TNAU, farmers mostly notice bacterial wilt in tomato crops during the rainy season at an advanced stage of infection when the application of fungicides only adds to the expenses and do not yield the anticipated outcomes. Tomato grafting technology provides an effective solution with minimum external inputs. The disease-resistant brinjal rootstock also offers protection against root-knot nematodes, Prof. Shanthi explained.
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