Abstract

Corky root disease of tomato, caused by the soil-borne fungus Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, is a common and serious problem for organic tomato production. This paper addresses the possibility of developing a management strategy for corky root disease in participation with organic tomato growers in Sweden. The participatory research group consisted of nine organic tomato growers from central Sweden, two extension workers and two researchers. Regular meetings were held so that growers, extension workers and researchers could exchange knowledge on corky root disease management. A number of research issues were identified during group discussions: use of mulch, break crop, grafted tomato plants, composts, composted Pyrenochaeta-infested soil, fungivorous nematodes and commercially available bio-control agents based on Trichoderma, Streptomyces and Gliocladium in corky root disease control. The issues were investigated in on-farm experiments and experiments at a research station. The outcomes of the research work were presented in the group in subsequent meetings and assessed in joint discussions. The results from the study showed that a compost with low NH(4)-N concentration and high Ca concentration reduced corky root disease severity in greenhouse experiments at the research station. However, although the potential of other measures such as use of fungivorous nematodes and commercially available bio-control agents was demonstrated, these measures need further improvement to be adopted in commercial growing conditions. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Compost; Fungivorous nematodes; Organic tomato production; Participatory research; Pyrenochaeta lycopersici

Published in

Crop Protection
2009, Volume: 28, number: 2, pages: 155-161
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Mahbuba Kaniz, Hasna

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Persson, Paula

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Strålenhielm, Anna

  • Department of Soil Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rämert, Birgitta

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Horticulture


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2008.09.011

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/61657