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Tomato Pests and Diseases Affecting Kenyan Farmers

Tomato Pests and Diseases Affecting Kenyan Farmers

August 23, 2022 4:56 am

Wamugunda Anne

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Tomatoes are a major source of income for farmers in Kenya and several measures need to be taken to ensure that the fruits are well protected from attack by pests. It is good for farmers to control the spread of diseases affecting the plants for the main purpose of ensuring that they gain maximum profit from them and that they have better ways of preventing any harmful damage to the plants.

American bollworm

Is the larva stage of a moth that may be brown, green or pink in color? It is the most destructive stage of the moth and attacks fruits of tomatoes. It lays several eggs on young fruits that bear holes on the fruits upon them hatching. The worm feeds with its head inside the tomato fruit.

Control

Spraying the tomatoes can be the best alternative for the control measures. A good insecticide should be used in the process. Other minor tomato pests include cutworm, red spider, mite and nematodes.

Tomato blight

It is a major fungal disease caused by phytophthora infestans.It is the most serious of the tomato diseases. Dry brown lesions on stems, leaves and fruits are some of the symptoms of attack by the crop. Fungal spores germinate when there is moisture in the leaves and fruits.

Bacterial wilt

Tomato plants that are attacked by this parasite will eventually wither and die when the weather conditions of a particular place. Certified seeds are used in the control of the pest.

Blossom end rot

Manifested in the roots where the blossom ends appear rotten and water –soaked plants. Regular watering ensures that the produce does well in places with plenty supply.

About the Author

Wamugunda Anne

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Hailing from the fertile highlands of central Kenya, Wamugunda-Anne's life has always been intertwined with the land. Born into a family of farmers, her earliest memories are of verdant fields, changing seasons, and the rhythm of nature. These formative experiences would later shape her academic and professional pursuits.

Wamugunda-Anne's passion for agriculture was not just about the practice but understanding its deeper implications — the sociological, environmental, and economic intricacies of farming in Kenya. This passion drove her to one of Kenya's prestigious universities, where she pursued a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Throughout her academic journey, she became renowned for her insightful articles on sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the balance between modern techniques and traditional Kenyan agricultural wisdom.

After university, Wamugunda-Anne transitioned into a full-time career in agricultural journalism. Her works have since been published in numerous national and international journals. Beyond just writing, she has played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policies in Kenya by collaborating with policymakers, researchers, and local farmers. Her articles often focus on the challenges faced by Kenyan farmers, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative solutions to boost food security in the region.

Today, Wamugunda-Anne stands as a beacon of inspiration in Kenyan agricultural circles. With every article she writes, she hopes to enlighten, inspire, and pave the way for a sustainable agricultural future for Kenya and the African continent at large.