Efficacy of Plant Extracts and Antagonistic Fungi in Managing Tomato Pests and Diseases under Field Conditions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of plant extracts and fungal antagonists in managing pests and diseases of tomato under field conditions. The extracts and the antagonists were evaluated for efficacy against synthetic pesticides under field conditions. Plant extracts reduced the population of whiteflies and Tutaabsoluta by 63% and 55%, respectively. Plant extracts and antagonistic fungi reduced the intensity of early blight by 34% and 23% respectively; and late blight levels by 53% and 70% respectively. The plant extracts reduced pest and disease damage on fruits by up to 40% and 65% respectively. Effectiveness of plant extracts and the antagonistic fungi compared favourably with that of the synthetic pesticides. The results showed that plant extracts and antagonistic fungi from natural environments can be incorporated in integrated pest and disease management in tomato and can help reduce overuse of synthetic pesticides.