Farmer participatory evaluation of an IPM technology in the management of major pests and diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Uttarakhand

Abstract

Farmer participatory field trials were conducted for assessing the effects of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology for the management of major pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The experiment was conducted during March to October, 2016 and 2017 at three locations, viz. Kota Kwanu, Majhgaon Kwanu and Malot Kwanu in Chakrata block of district Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India on two popular, bacterial wilt resistant tomato hybrids, viz. Abhinav and Heamsohna. The various treatments were as follows: T₁, seed treatment with Trichoderma + Pseudomonas @ 20 g/kg of seeds: T₂, use of FYM @ 100 Q/ha fortified with Trichoderma + Pseudomonas; T₃, planting of Abhinav and Heamsohna; T₄, weekly hand picking and destruction of leaves, shoots and fruits infected by late blight; T₅, staking of plants; T₆, four applications of cymoxanil + mancozeb @ 2 g/l at 30, 45, 60- and 75 days after planting; and T₇, application of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.3 ml/l at 65-days. Incidence of diseases such as late blight and bacterial wilt, and pests such as fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera was significantly high in the control plots. The severity of pest and diseases was comparatively more in 2017 than 2016 due to conducive climatic conditions. Maximum yield (410 q and 400 q/ha) was recorded during 2016 and 2017, respectively due to IPM practices combining all possible components as compared to other treatments or control. As a result of enhanced fruit yield, the gross (Rupees 615 000/ha and Rupees 800 000/ha) and net income (Rupees 428 180/ha and Rupees 610 375/ha) were realized during 2016 and 2017, respectively. The cost benefit ratio was also maximum due to combination of all IPM components (1:2.3 and 1:3.22) both during 2016 and 2017, respectively. The IPM strategies combining all possible components proved significantly superior not only in effective management of major diseases and pests but also helped in realizing higher productivity and thereby enhanced income of tomato growers in remote tribal regions of Dehradun, Uttarakhand.