Common Pests and Diseases of a Tomato

                  The tomato is the edible, often red fruit/berry of the nightshade Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant. The species originated in the South American Andes and its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Its many varieties are now widely grown, sometimes in greenhouses in cooler climates. The tomato is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks. While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes, which has caused some confusion. The fruit is rich in lycopene, which may have beneficial health effects. The tomato belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. The plants typically grow to 1–3 meters (3–10 ft) in height and have a weak stem that often sprawls over the ground and vines over other plants.

COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES:

• Hornworms
• Tomato fruitworm
• Stink bug
• Tomato pinworm
• Flea beetles
• Verticillium Wilt
• Late Blight
• Southern Blight
• Anthracnose
• Bacterial Speck 

MANAGEMENTS:

• Careful monitoring
• Introduction of natural enemies for pests
• Some cultural controls may help
• Use of Chemicals (insecticides, pesticides, herbicides etc.)
• Use of resistant cultivars