Dear farmers,
Today we shall talk about tomato yellow leaf curl virus. This is the most destructive disease of tomatoes and can be found in Tropical and sub tropical regions. Affected tomatoes are characterised by stunded growth, Yellowing of the young leaves and Upward curing of the leaves. There is no known cure for this disease but it can be prevented. In Kenya this affects tomatoes during the months of March, April, may and June leading to acute shortage of the commodity. The shortage triggers demand hence increase in prices. Farmers who practice commercial farming this is the right time to invest in tomato farming because prices are always good during the four mentioned months. In order to Succeed in tomatoes farming during the above mentioned months the farmer must have full knowledge of TYLCV, mode of transmission and control measures.
Transmission of TYLCV.
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is transmitted by whiteflies commonly known as silver leaf whiteflies sweet potato whiteflies. The primary host for whiteflies is tomato plant, other hosts include eggplants, potatoes, tobacco, beans and capsicum. Whiteflies were first detected in Israel in 1930 but now they have spread to over 30 countries world wide.
Control of Whiteflies.
One main characteristic of whiteflies which makes It difficult to effectively eliminate them is the evading tactic. Once farmers start spraying the pest they always swarm ahead of him making it very difficult to control them. When the farmer is through with spraying exercise they return back to the major crop and continue causing damage.Farmers who Wish to control whiteflies effectively Must partner with green life. Green life offers a wide range Of chemicals which effectively control the whiteflies. Examples of such products are the ones described below.
- Lexus
This product is very effective in the control of whiteflies. It combines both contact and systemic action.
It also displays a knock down effect Which rapidly kills the pest and stops further damage immediately
LEXUS® 247SC is a broad spectrum insecticide effective against sucking insects such as aphids, thrips and whiteflies in on a wide range of crops including roses and vegetables.
- Taurus
Also displays systemic and contact mode of action. The A.I. In this product enters the plant system and protects the plant against any whiteflies which might attack the plant up to 7days after spraying is done.
TAURUS® 500SP is a powerful insecticide with a broad spectrum control especially for sucking insects such as aphids, thrips and whiteflies in agricultural crops like roses, French beans, runner beans, tomatoes, pepper, capsicum, melon among others.
Combines three modes of action.
- Contact action. It kills all the whiteflies which it comes in to contact
- Repellant action. This product is characterized by very strong smell which repels the whiteflies from the area where spraying has been done.
- Translaminar effect. Enters the plant system and prevents the whiteflies from attacking the crop for a period of seven days.
Try us today and you will never regret!!
