EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF EARLY BLIGHT ALTERNARIA SOLANI IN TOMATO

Abstract

Tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill is one of the most productive crops belong to the family Solanaceae in the world and may be exposed to many diseases, including the fungus caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, the main cause of early blight, as one of the most important symptoms of this spray is the fall of the leaves of the entire plant in severe cases, as well as stem rot and fruit fall and one of the most important factors Affecting the epidemiology of the disease is the influence of its severity according to many environmental factors and weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and seasons of the year. It is vital to have dry and warm weather with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and relative humidity levels of greater than 60%. Infection is more common during the wet season. Early blight is possible in tomato crops when stressed by a nitrogen shortage The black coloring of the mycelium increases its vulnerability to lysis, letting it to survive in the soil for several years.. Plant varieties can reduce the epidemiology of the disease , Alternaria solani, the organism that causes potato and tomato early blight, flourished in vitro at ideal pH levels of 6 – 7 and temperatures ranging from 25 – 30 °C.