Management of Tomato spotted wilt and Its Impact on Tomato Production
Olson SM, Momol T, Funderburk J
North Florida Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Quincy, FL.
Correspondence: smolson@ifas.ufl.edu
Spotted wilt caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and vectored mainly by western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and tobacco thrips (F. fusca) is a major disease of tomato in southeastern U.S. Research has shown that primary infection can not be controlled by insecticide treatments, but secondary can be controlled. Field experiments were conducted to determine the separate and integrated effects of UV-reflective mulch (UVRM), acibenzolar-S- methyl (Actigard) and insecticides to manage TSW in tomato. Highly UV-reflective and black mulch covered plots were treated with Actigard and insecticides in field experiments. TSW incidence was determined from late April to June. Disease incidence was reduced significantly in highly UVRM and Actigard treated plots. The highly UVRM alone was effective in reducing disease incidence every year tested. Actigard significantly reduced spotted wilt incidence in two years when TSWV infection pressure was high. Highly UVRM and Actigard were effective on reducing the primary spread of spotted wilt in field-grown fresh market tomatoes. The combination of highly UVRM, Actigard, and insecticides was the most effective integrated treatment and reduced tomato spotted wilt by as much as 81%. Information will be presented on the effect of metalized mulches and Actigard on production of tomatoes and peppers. Use of the metalized mulches has never resulted in a reduction in yield on a per hectare basis but at times yield has been reduced on a per plant basis due to reduced soil temperatures under the metalized mulch. Use of Actigard has not resulted in reduction of tomato yields. One drawback of the metalized mulch is that it is more expensive than traditional black mulch ($940/ha versus $380/ha).
