Updated version of the book “Tomato Diseases” expands the approach to new variants of diseases that threaten tomato farming

The production of tomatoes, one of the main vegetables on the Brazilian table, is threatened by hundreds of diseases caused by various types of pathogens, such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. There are also physiological disorders, also called abiotic diseases, which, together, cause large losses in productivity, in addition to affecting the quality of the product.

The correct identification of the causes of diseases and indications of sustainable ways to control them were the driving force behind the preparation of the third edition of the book “Tomato Diseases”, launched by Embrapa Hortaliças at the end of 2021. In this edition, the authors clarify the variants of pathogens, which have made some traditional forms of management unfeasible, such as the use of resistant cultivars and chemical control. Some recent taxonomic changes that have made it difficult to correctly diagnose diseases were also highlighted.

“No new diseases were included, but new developments were introduced regarding the manifestation of those already known due to the appearance of pathogen variants, better characterized through modern biotechnology techniques, and the use of new cultivars”, explains the Embrapa Hortaliças researcher, Carlos Alberto Lopes, technical editor of the book. Still within this context, he draws attention to the possibility of the emergence of other new variants as a consequence of changes in the climate.

“There is strong evidence that new variants of known pathogens and new pathogens will appear as a result of climate change – some of these, currently secondary, could become relevant”, assesses the researcher.

Themes

Based on the theme “Factors or conditions that influence the occurrence of diseases in tomato production and general prevention and control measures”, the book describes, in nine chapters, tomato diseases with their pathogens, symptoms and respective controls, which imply in the adoption of measures, in an integrated manner, to avoid the occurrence or even lack of control.

The first chapter occupies a good part of the book, as it covers the 15 diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes, microorganisms identified as the biggest enemies of tomato farming. The following chapters cover diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and nematodes, physiological disorders and post-harvest diseases. “Information on integrated management was also included aiming at the production of organic tomatoes or those with a greater guarantee of the absence of chemical residues, given the increased demand for these products by society”, says Lopes.

Research contribution

Tomatoes occupy the 9th position in world production in the country, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with around two million tons annually, when table tomatoes and tomatoes for food are added. industrial processing.

For the researcher, the contribution of research to advances in tomato farming in Brazil has been carried out through several trails, notably monitoring the emergence of new diseases, with a focus on genetic resistance, through the use of modern breeding techniques, in addition to forms less aggressive chemical control, with the aim of improving biological control.

“Additionally, we are working on the development of new biotechnology tools for the specific control of diseases and pests by expanding the natural protection mechanisms of plants”, says Lopes.

Service

To purchase the printed version, the address is BR 060, Rodovia Brasília-Anápolis, km 09, Fazenda Tamanduá. PO Box 218 – 70.275-970 Brasília-DF. Telephone (61) 3385-9110 or https://www.embrapa.br/fale-conosco/sac/