_Mosaic._--No organism has been definitely connected with the mosaic
diseases of tomatoes, but they are highly infectious, being spread
by means of what is called a "virus," which passes the finest
filters. It is spread by insects, notably aphids, which carry plant
juice, and in the handling of plants, but it does not persist in
seeds or in litter. It is wintered on horse nettles and three
species of ground cherries. Control suggestions include roguing
affected plants, eliminating weeds, and controlling carrying
insects. The symptoms are widely various, the most common being
mottling of leaves, stunting and malformation of leaflets, which
sometimes become fine ribbons or threads, curling, appearance of
small brown dead areas, and spots and cracks on fruits.
_Damping off_ is caused by various fungi in the seed bed which
attack the stem near the surface of the soil and cause the plant to
drop over and die. Clean soil, heating of soil, commonly called
sterilization, and care in watering are all helpful. It is now
common practice to dust seed with formaldehyde dust, or with red
copper oxid or with an organic mercury disinfectant. If trouble is
serious, a watering with semesan just before seedlings emerge may be
helpful.
A government bulletin on "Market Diseases of Tomatoes"
(Miscellaneous Publication 121, 1932) is an excellent summary with
colored plates to help in recognizing the various troubles.
Insects
_The Fruit Worm_ (Chloridea obsoleta) is probably the worst of the
tomato insects, but is not prevalent in the North. It is the same as
the corn ear-worm or the cotton boll-worm, and bores into green or
ripening fruits. It winters in the soil and fall plowing is
recommended for its control. Planting corn as a trap crop is also
suggested. The Virginia Truck Experiment Station finds that the
addition of two pounds of calcium arsenate to 50 gallons of the
Bordeaux used for disease control helps materially.
_Cut-worms_ (various species of the family Noctuidae) cause severe
losses at the time of field setting. They winter in the soil and are
worse when sod has been plowed under, or following other host
plants. Poison bran mash is commonly used to combat them, using a
spoonful to each plant. Hand picking and the use of paper collars
are resorted to on a small scale. Well-hardened plants seem less
subject to injury by these pests than tender plants.
_Colorado Potato Beetle_ (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) can cause a
world of damage to young plants. Arsenical spray or dust will
ordinarily control them. The old-fashioned potato bug (family
Meloidae), is reported as troublesome in Missouri. When they appear
in droves, the only control is to drive them with brush. Arsenical
spray or dust is of some value.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account