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Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and the World Vegetable Center, Taiwan jointly conduct research on “Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Tomato” with financial assistance from the Plant Health Initiative. World Veg standardized “Tomato Grafting Technology” to protect the tomato plants from bacterial wilt, which is a severe disease during the rainy season. In this way, the desired tomato hybrid plants were grafted on disease-resistant brinjal root stocks. To impart the tomato grafting technology to the tomato farmers and nursery growers, a one-day skill training programme was organized at sattakalputhur village on February 8, 2024.
Dr.M.Shanthi, Director of the Centre for Plant Protection Studies, conveyed to the audience that tomato agriculture experiences a significant yield reduction during the rainy season as a result of bacterial wilt. The utilization of fungicides will not provide the required outcomes aside from augmenting the expenses associated with plant protection. The technique of tomato grafting provides a favourable solution with few external interventions. Hence, TNAU has taken the initiative to train the tomato farmers and nursery growers in association with the World Vegetable Center, Taiwan.
Mathukarai Block Assistant Horticultural Officer S.Suresh explained about the different activities carried out by the department to reduce the yield loss. He also briefed about the schemes operated by the department to increase productivity in horticultural crops. Plant Pathology Division Head Dr.K.Angappan explained the important diseases of tomato and its integrated management. He informed the gathering that the bacterial wilt can be effectively managed using the resistant brinjal root stocks. He also said that farmers should increase the use of biocontrol agents for crop protection.
Dr.N.Manikanda Boopathi, Professor (Plant Biotechnology), elucidated the importance of grafting technology for viral disease management. Continuous monitoring was emphasized by him for effective monitoring. The TNAU outreach activity and online sales platform were explained by the Training Division Professor and Head, Dr.N.Anandaraj. He said that the farmers should use social media platforms for instant guidance.
Dr.P.S.Shanmugam, Associate Professor (Agricultural Entomology), explained the tomato grafting technologies to the participants. The participants practiced the grafting and learned the aftercare technologies. About 65 farmers and 12 extension officials participated in the training programme.