Integrated management strategies for Septoria leaf spot in fresh tomatoes, focusing on low pesticide contamination risk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i10.910Keywords:
Solanum lycopersicum L., pesticide residues, biological control, Septoria leaf spot, fungicidesAbstract
Studies on fresh-market tomato crops in the state of Goiás, Brazil, are still scarce, especially regarding the validation of production technologies. This study aimed to evaluate strategies for the application of plant protection products to control Septoria leaf spot in tomato plants with a low risk of pesticide contamination in fruits. Two field trials were conducted under natural infection conditions. Apical meristem pruning was performed, and nine treatments were evaluated: untreated control; weekly application of chemical fungicides; weekly application of chemical fungicides with a switch to biological fungicides at the beginning of harvest; application of chemical fungicides based on a disease forecasting system; application of chemical fungicides based on a forecasting system with a switch to biological fungicides at the beginning of harvest; application of biological fungicide at the recommended rate; application of biological fungicide at double the recommended rate; weekly application of copper hydroxide; and weekly application of copper hydroxide with a switch to biological fungicides at the beginning of harvest. Septoria leaf spot severity was evaluated based on natural infection, and total yield was estimated by fruit class. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using Tukey’s test at the 5% probability level. The weekly application of chemical fungicides showed the highest efficiency compared to applications based on the forecasting system and the use of biological products.
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