Japan International Cooperation Agency Agriculture and Food Authority Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Horticultural Crops Directorate State Department for Crop Development & Agricultural Research

Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion Project

for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS)
“Changing Farmers’ Mindset from “Grow and Sell” to ”Grow to Sell””

TOMATO PRODUCTION

Prepared by SHEP PLUS

Photos: SHEP PLUS
Training Title: Tomato Production
Preface
Objective: To provide a guideline on production of Tomato
Specific Objective: • This training material applies the fundamental practices essential
• To provide basic information on production, post-harvest for crop production and successful marketing to put into
handling, and marketing of Tomato perspective the case of horticultural crop production.
Contents:
• The fundamental practices are categorized into seven (7) broad
1. Introduction: Background, Common Varieties and Optimal topics and twenty (20) sub-topics; the twenty sub-topics are
Ecological Requirements referred to as the General Horticulture Crop Production and Post-
2. Pre-Cultivation Preparation 1 – 5 Harvest Handling Techniques (GHCP&PHHT20). This
categorization is based on the Smallholder Horticulture
3. Cultural Practices 1- 10 Empowerment & Promotion Unit Project (SHEP UP) experience
4. Harvest in mitigating production and marketing challenges facing
5. Post-Harvest Handling smallholder horticultural farmers.
6. Cost & Income Analysis • The seven (7) broad topics are: Pre-Cultivation Preparation; Land
7. Post-Training Evaluation Exercise Preparation; Crop Establishment (Planting/Transplanting); Crop
Contacts: Management; Harvest; Post-Harvest Handling: and Cost and
Income Analysis.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries (MOALF):
Kilimo House, Cathedral Road, P.O. Box 34188-00100, Nairobi, • The sub-topics under each topic are as follows: Pre-Cultivation
KENYA, Tel: 020-2718870 Preparation (market survey, crop planting calendar(s), soil
sampling & analysis, composting, and quality seed/planting
• Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Horticultural Crops material(s)); Land Preparation (land preparation practices,
Directorate (HCD): incorporation of crop residues, and basal application); Crop
Airport Road, Opp. JKIA, P.O. Box 42601-00100, Nairobi, KENYA, Establishment (raising seedlings, planting/transplanting,
Tel: 020-2131560/3597356 fertilizer application); Crop Management (water requirement,
managing of weeds, top-dressing, pests & diseases management
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenya Office: practices, and safe & effective use of pesticides); Harvest
BRITAM Tower, 22nd & 23rd, Hospital Road, (harvesting indices); Post-Harvest Handling (appropriate
P.O. Box 50572-00200, Nairobi, KENYA, Tel: 020-2775000 containers/standard packaging materials, and value addition
techniques); and Cost and Income Analysis (cost and income
• Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Project analysis).
for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS):
N.H.I.F. Building, 4th Floor, Ngong Road/Haile Selassie Avenue, • The issues outlined in the twenty (20) sub-topics might not
Upper Hill necessarily be applicable in all cases. But where applicable, it is
recommended that the instructions issued be given due
P.O. Box 19024-00100, Nairobi, KENYA consideration.
Tel: 0712-504095 /0737-293867, E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimer
Tomato Production, First published by SHEP in 2009, revised by SHEP PLUS in 2019 (Ver.6)
Editors: James Arim, Stephen Kioko, Collins Otieno, Calistus Efukho, Grace Mbuthia, Florence Mangoli, Zablon Oirere, Elizabeth Mbuthia, Fransisca Malenge, Jiro Aikawa, Kiyoshi Kita,
Harue Kitajima, Yasuhiro Takashina, Taku Seo
Contributors: Grays Kiplagat, Thomas Mumu, Sarah Ndegwa, Antonina Luta, Peter Orangi, Florence Wambua, Raymond Chelule, Murage Henry, Omari Victor, Jacob Keror, Musah
Samuel, Carolyne Mwenze
All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced without permission for non-commercial use. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), Agriculture and
Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)) of the Republic of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) should be acknowledged.
This publication was prepared under the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Project for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS) on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), and Agriculture and Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)) of the Republic of Kenya and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The cited agrochemicals are in accordance with “Pest Control Product Registered for Use in Kenya 11 th Edition, 2018”. The registered agrochemicals are subject to change. Please refer to
the latest registered agrochemicals by Pest Control Product Board.
1. Introduction:
1.1 Background
1-1

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Tomato (Nyanya)
1/38
1. Introduction:
1.1 Background
1. Introduction:
1.1 Background
1-1 • Tomato is a member of the Solanaceae
family which includes crops such as Irish
Potato, Sweet Pepper, Chili and Egg
Plant
• One of the most produced and consumed
vegetables in Kenya
• Important cash crop for smallholder farmers
• Mainly grown in open fields, however green
house tomato production is growing in
popularity
• Rich in Vitamin A, C and Lycopene
• Eaten fresh, added to salads,cooked as a
vegetable or processed into tomato paste,
jam, sauce, puree, and juice
Tomato (Nyanya)

1/38
 1.2 Common Varieties

1-2 1-3

Photo: Flora fields

http://www.florafields.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=189 Photo: seminis,
https://seminis.co.za/product/assila/686

“Rio Grande” “Assila F1”

(Determinate) (Determinate)
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1.2 Common Varieties
1-2 Determinate Varieties
“Rio Grande”:
• Fresh market and processing variety
• Plant is slightly bushy and can be staked or
left unstaked
• Tolerant to verticillium and fusarium wilt
• Maturity Period: 75 – 85 days after
transplanting
• Yield: 18,000kg per acre
“Rio Grande” (Determinate) “Assila F1”
• Determinate early maturing (75 days) variety
1-3 • Tolerant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
(TYLCV) & nematodes
• It produces fruits with attractive red colour
with oval shape & heavy sweet fruits
• Yield: 23,000kg per acre
• Good keeping quality & transportability

“Assila F1” (Determinate)

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 1.2 Common Varieties Cont’

1-3 1-4

Photo: Syngenta Kenya, https://www.syngenta.co.ke/tomatoes Photo: Farm Fresh Seeds

http://www.farmfreshseeds.com/heirloom-tomato-seeds-cal-j.html

“Kilele F1” “Cal J”

(Determinate) (Determinate)
3/38
1.2 Common Varieties Cont’
Determinate Varieties Cont’
1-3
“Kilele F1”
• Medium-early maturing, determinate type
• Suitable for drier or humid areas
• Disease tolerance: Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl
Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Verticillium,
Fusarium Wilt & Nematodes
• Fruits: Firm and elongated and has shelf life of
21 days
“Kilele F1” (Determinate) • Maturity Period: 75 days after transplanting
• Yield: 30,000 – 35,000 per acre
1-4
“Cal J”
• Open pollinated determinate variety
• Tolerant to verticilium & fusarium wilts
• The plant produces red blocky shaped fruits
• The fruits store and transport well
• Maturity Period: 75 - 85 days after
transplanting
Photo: Farm Fresh Seeds • Yield: 11,000 – 13,000kg per acre
http://www.farmfreshseeds.com/heirloom-tomato-seeds-cal-j.html

“Cal J” (Determinate)
3/38
1.2 Common Varieties Cont’
1-7 1-8

Photo: seminis, https://seminis.co.za/product/eden/687 Photo: Kenya Highlands Seed Co. https://royalseed.biz/tomatoes

“Eden F1” “Rambo F1”

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1.2 Common Varieties Cont’
1.2 Common Varieties Cont’
1-7 “Eden F1”
• Determinate and vigorous growing variety
• Good tolerance to Alternaria Canker,
Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Nematodes
and Bacterial Speck
• Deep red blocky fruits have long shelf life
• Maturity Period: 75 days after transplanting
• Yield: 40,000-50,000kg per acre (9 – 10 kg
per plant)

“Rambo F1”
“Eden F1” (Determinate) • Determinate, vigorous plant with uniformly set
and firm fruits
1-8 • Tolerance: Bacterial wilt, Bacterial spot,
Fusarium wilt, Verticilium wilt and Nematodes
• Maturity 75 days after transplanting
• Yield: 30,000kg per acre
• Good shelf life & transport quality

Photo: Kenya Highlands Seed Co.

https://royalseed.biz/tomatoes
“Rambo F1” 4/38
1.2 Common Varieties Cont’
1-9

Photo: SHEP PLUS

“Anna F1” (Indeterminate)

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1.2 Common Varieties Cont’

1.2 Some Common Varieties Cont’

“Anna F1”:
• Hybrid and indeterminate fresh market
1-9 variety that produces blocky oval red fruits
that have a long shelf life, tolerance to
Fusarium, Verticillium Wilt, Alternaria Stem
Canker and Nematodes
• Ideal greenhouse Tomato
• Maturity Period: 75 days after transplanting
• Yield: 64,000kg per acre (18 kg per plant for
8 months)
Other Determinate varieties grown in Kenya:
• Fortune Maker F1
Photo: SHEP PLUS • Novel
• Nuru
“Anna F1” (Indeterminate) • Valoria F1
• Zawadi F1
Other Indeterminate varieties grown in Kenya:
• Nemoneta
• Tylka F1
• Prostar F1
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1.3 Choice of Varieties

1-10

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Tomato crop in the field

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1.3 Choice of Varieties

1.3 Choice of Varieties

Selection of a variety needs to be based on:

1-10 • Growth Habit: determinate (bush),
indeterminate (climbing) and semi-determinate
• Disease Resistance/Tolerance: indicated by
initials after variety name e.g.) “F” for
fusarium wilt, “N” for nematodes
• Fruit Type (shape, size & color): Market
requirement will determine fruit type.
– Processing-intense red color & more
solids
– Fresh market- shape, color & size vary
• Hybrid or Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV):
Photo: SHEP PLUS
Hybrid seeds give higher yields but are more
expensive

Tomato crop in the field

6/38
1.4 Optimal Ecological
Requirements
Altitude 0 – 2,000 metres above
sea level
Rainfall Over 600 mm of rainfall
annually
Growing 20 – 25 0C (day)
Temperature 15 – 17 0C (night)
Soils •Well drained sandy, loam,
and clay loam soils
•pH range 6.0 – 7.5
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1.4 Optimal Ecological Requirements

Altitude 0 – 2,000 metres above sea level

Rainfall Over 600 mm of rainfall annually
Growing 20 – 25 0C (day)
Temperature 15 – 17 0C (night)
Soils • Well drained sandy, loam, and clay loam
soils
• pH range 6.0 – 7.5
1.4 Optimal Ecological Requirements
• Altitude: Tomato can be cultivated up to 2,000 m above sea level
• Rainfall: Tomato performs well in areas that receive over 600 mm of rainfall annually. It should
be well distributed throughout the growing season.
• Temperature: Tomato performs well in warm climatic conditions. The optimal day and night
temperature range is 20 – 25 0C and 15 – 17 0C, respectively
• Soil: Tomato requires well drained sandy loam, or clay loam soils. The optimal soil pH
range is 6.0 – 7.5.

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2. G20 technologies
1. Market survey 7. Incorporating crop
2. Crop planting residues
calendar 8. Basal application of
3. Soil testing compost/ manure
4. Composting 9. Recommended
5. Use of quality practices of seedling
planting materials preparation/
seedlings from
6. Recommended land registered nursery
preparation practices

8/38
2. G20 technologies

[G20 Technologies]
Make sure to support farmers
carry out G20 techniques for
any crop

8/38
2. G20 technologies
10.Recommended 16.Safe and effective
spacing use of pesticides
11.Recommended 17.Use of harvesting
fertilizer application indices
rate 18.Appropriate post
12.Supplementing harvest handling
water containers
13.Timely weeding 19.Value addition
14.Top-dressing techniques
15.IPM practices 20.Keeping farm
records 9/38
2. G20 technologies

[G20 Technologies]
Make sure to support farmers
carry out G20 techniques for
any crop

9/38
 2.1 Crop Planting Calendar
A Sample of a Tomato Planting Calendar
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Land Transplant 30 – 1st Top- 2nd Top- Harvesting

45 days after
preparation seed
dress: dress: starts 75 – 90
germination CAN 40 kg CAN 80 kg days after
Sowing in Spacing
per acre = per acre = transplanting
nursery 75 – 100 cm x 5 g (1 bottle 10 g (2
bed: 40 – 75 40 – 60 cm top) per bottle top) Sorting &
g of Fertilizer (DSP) plant per plant grading
seed/acre application Peak demand
80 kg/acre
Training, Training, Yields 12,000 –
Control of
(10 g/hole =
2 bottle tops/ staking & staking & 40,000kg per for Tomato
damping-off hole) pruning pruning acre
disease & Manure
cutworms application Weed, Weed, Marketing
8 tons/acre (2 – pests pests
3 handfuls/hole)
& diseases & diseases
Weed, pest & control control
disease control

10/38
2.1 Crop Planting Calendar
2.1 Crop Planting Calendar
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q2)
• A tool used by farmers to
plan for production to ensure
that marketing coincides
with the period of the year
when the market price of a
produce is highest
Procedure:
1. Determine from the market
survey results (2.1) when
there is peak demand for
Tomato
2. Work backwards from the
month when there is peak
demand to prepare a
monthly farm activities
preceding the peak period
3. Use the monthly activities
preceding the peak demand
as a procurement plan for
farm inputs and a guide for
A Sample of a Tomato Planting Calendar: farm operations
Notes:
Targeting a peak market demand beginning • To meet the peak demand
period of the market, there
just after January may be need for
supplemental irrigation
10/38
2.2 Composting
2-3

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure preparation through composting

11/38
2.2 Composting

2.2 Composting (GHCP&PHHT20: Q4)

2-3
• During compost making, the organic matter
need to be covered to prevent leaching and
volatilization of nutrients

• Tomato is a heavy feeder and does well in soils

with high organic content (manure)

• Based on the results of the soil analysis,

prepare adequate compost for application; the
recommended rate of application ranges from 5
– 8 tons/acre
Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure preparation
through composting

11/38
3.1 Basal Application
3-3

Manure

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure incorporation as a basal application

12/38
3.1 Basal Application

3-3
3.1 Basal Application (GHCP&PHHT20: Q8)

• The manure/compost should be

broadcasted (5 – 8 tons/acre) then worked
into the soil (incorporated) preferably using a
hoe
Manure
• Manure/compost should be applied 1 – 2
weeks before transplanting the Tomato and
incorporated into the soil

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure incorporation as a
basal application

12/38
 3.2 Raising Seedlings

3-4 3-5

1m 1m

50 cm

10 – 20 cm
Photos: SHEP PLUS

Tomato nursery
13/38
 3.2 Raising Seedlings
3.2 Raising Seedlings (GHCP&PHHT20: Q9)
3-4 • Tomato can be established through the nursery or directly seeded
1m 1m • Normally, it is raised in nursery before transplanting
• The seed rate is about 40 – 75 g/acre
• Seed trays can also be used to raise seedlings
50 cm Nursery Site Selection:
• The nursery should be sited in a plot that has not been planted with a
10 – 20 cm •
member of Solanaceae family for the last 3 years
Choose the site with good drainage

Photo: SHEP PLUS Nursery Establishment:

• Prepare a seedbed of 1 m width and of a convenient length
3-5 • Make drills on the seedbed at a spacing of 10 – 20 cm apart
• Thinly sow the seeds in the drills and cover lightly with soil

Management of Nursery:
• Water the nursery regularly
• Harden the seedlings 1 – 2 weeks before transplanting by reducing
the frequency of watering and gradually exposing the seedlings to
direct sunlight
• Insects such as whiteflies can transmit viruses to young tomato plants
Photo: SHEP PLUS
hence should be controlled using pesticides e.g. Amitraz (Mitac
20EC®), Buprofezin (Applaud 40%SC®), Azadirachtin (Nimbecidine®),
Imidacloprid (Confidor 70 WG®)
• These insects can be blocked from reaching the seedlings by use of an
Tomato nursery insect proof net (agricultural type)
13/38
3.3 Transplanting
3-5

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Recently transplanted Tomato seedlings

14/38
3.3 Transplanting

3.5 Transplanting
3.5.1 Appropriate Time
• Seedlings are transplanted 30 – 45 days after
3-5 seed sowing
• It is recommended that transplanting should be
done either early in the morning or late in the
evening
3.5.2 Recommended Spacing
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q10)
• Spacing: range from 75 – 100 cm (between
rows) by 40 – 60 cm (between seedlings)
depending on the variety
• Plant Population per Acre: range from 6,666 to
13,333
• Appropriate spacing produces short, stocky plants
with good root system
Recently transplanted 3.5.3 Fertilizer Application Rates
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q11)
Tomato seedlings • Apply 2 – 3 handfuls of manure per planting hole
(8 tons/acre)
• Apply 2 bottle tops (10 g) of Triple Super
Phosphate (TSP) per planting hole (80 kg/acre
• Apply Muriate of Potash (MOP) to enhance
availability of potassium
14/38
3.4 Water Requirement
3-6

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Drip Irrigation in a Tomato field

15/38
3.4 Water Requirement

3.4 Water Requirement (GHCP&PHHT20: Q12)

• Tomato is sensitive to water deficit:
– Immediately after transplanting
– During flowering and fruit development
3-6 • Plants should be provided with adequate water
• Tomato plants are sensitive to water logging and
flooded fields should be drained within 1 – 3
days
Irrigation Methods:
• Furrow and drip irrigation are the most
effective methods
• Furrow irrigation minimizes spread of fungal
diseases, such as “Early Blight”
• Drip irrigation on the other hand is efficient on
water utilization
• Overhead irrigation encourages spread of
Furrow Irrigation in a diseases such as “Early Blight”
Tomato field

15/38
3.5 Managing of Weeds
3-7

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Tomato under good weed management

16/38
3.5 Managing of Weeds

3.5 Managing of Weeds (GHCP&PHHT20: Q13)

• Avoid bruising the roots during weeding
3-7 • This can be done through use of appropriate
weeding tools
• Generally, keep the field weed free as much
as possible to avoid competition for nutrients,
sunlight and moisture
• Weeding Tomato field when the soil is wet
can increase the spread of some bacterial
(Bacterial Wilt) and fungal (Fusarium Wilt)
diseases

Tomato under good weed

management

16/38
3.6 Top-dressing
3-8

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Top-dressing using the placement method

17/38
3.6 Top-dressing

3.6 Top-dressing (GHCP&PHHT20: Q14)

• Tomato crop should be fertilized with
organic and inorganic chemical fertilizers to
3-8 produce high yields

• Top-dressing fertilizer such as CAN should

be applied in 2 splits at 40 kg & 80
kg/acre at 4 and 8 weeks after
transplanting

• Application method: circular band around

the stem

• Inadequate top-dressing can result into

Photo: SHEP PLUS
physiological disorders:
– Hollow cavities and poor taste in fruits
Top-dressing using the due to potassium deficiency
placement method – Blossom-end rot due to an imbalance
between Nitrogen, Calcium and soil
moisture

17/38
3.7 Crop Management
3.7.1 Training & Staking
3-9

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Well staked Tomato field

18/38
3.7 Crop Management
3.7.1 Training & Staking

3.7 Crop Management

3-9 3.7.1 Training and Staking
• Indeterminate varieties need
staking/training to facilitate pruning,
harvesting and other cultural practices
• Determinate varieties may be staked in
wet season or mulched to prevent fruit
contact with the soil
• Staking materials: wooden stakes,
bamboo or any sturdy material
• Strings, plastic strips or other material
Photo: SHEP PLUS can be used to train the plant to the stake

Well staked Tomato field

18/38
3.7.2 Pruning
3-10

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Training of Tomato plants in the field

A side shoot has been pinched
19/38
3.7.2 Pruning
3.7.2 Pruning

3-10 • This practice is necessary for the indeterminate

varieties
• It involves removal of side shoots, extra flowers,
fruits and diseased leaves
• Leads to early maturity of fruits and encourages
fruits to increase in size and uniformity
• Sterilize pruning blades by use of chlorine bleach
and water at a ratio of 1:1. Use of unsterilized
blades, and smoking can lead to spread of
diseases e.g. TMV, Bacterial Wilt

Training of Tomato
plants in the field
(A side shoot has
been pinched)
19/38
3.8.1 Major Pests

A B C
Photo: SHEP PLUS

D E F

Photo: By Marja van der Straten, NVWA Plant Protection

Service, Bugwood.org -
http://www.ipmimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?img
num=5432149, CC BY 3.0 us,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid
=22440495

20/38
3.8.1 Major Pests

3.8.1 Major Pests

• Pest damage causes a reduction
in quality and quantity of produce

• The following are the major pests

of Tomato in Kenya:
A. African Bollworm
B. Red Spider Mites
C. Tobacco Whitefly
D. Root-knot Nematode
E. Thrips
F. Tuta absoluta

20/38
3.8.1.A: African Bollworm
3-12

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Symptom of fruit damaged by “African

Bollworm” 21/38
 3.8.1.A: African Bollworm
3.8.1.A: African Bollworm
Identification:
• Adult moth is dull yellow to brown
• The female moth lays tiny round & brownish eggs near or on
flowers or small fruits
• Larvae have alternating light and dark colored stripes on either side
3-12 of the body
• The pupa is shiny brown
Damages:
• Caterpillars feed on flowers and green fruits causing flower abortion
and sunken necrotic spots, respectively
• Feeding holes made by the caterpillar serve as entry point for bacteria
and fungi which may lead to rotting of fruits

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Control:
• Tilling & ploughing of old tomato field exposes pupa to desiccation
and natural enemies
Symptom of fruit • Planting of trap crops (Cucumber, Maize & Africam Marigold)
damaged by “African which attract the pest before it attacks tomatoes (Need to synchronize
planting of both maize and tomatoes so that they flower at same time)
Bollworm” • Use of selective pesticides, such as microbial control agents:
– Helocoverpa armigera SNPV Virus (Helitec SC®)
– Indoxacarb (Avaunt 150SL®)
– Etofenprox 30%(TREBON 30 EC®)

21/38
3.8.1.B: Red Spider Mites
3-13

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Underside of Tomato leaf infested with

“Red Spider Mites”
22/38
3.8.1.B: Red Spider Mites
3.8.1.B: Red Spider Mites
Identification:
• Adult red spider mites are oval in shape, appear reddish or
greenish with eight (8) legs
• Eggs are very tiny, spherical and whitish; and are laid singly on
underside of leaves
• Red spider mites spin silk threads which anchor the pest and their
3-13 eggs to the plant
Damages:
• Infested leaves show white to yellow speckling, later turn
pale or bronzed
• High population causes serious drying and dropping of
leaves (defoliation) which leads to smaller and lighter fruits
Control:
• Use of pesticides (miticides) including:
– Spiromesifen (Oberon SC 240®)
– Hexythiazox (Arsur 100 EC®)
– Abamectin (Avirmec 1.8EC®, Almectin 1.8%EC®,
Underside of Tomato Agrimec 18EC®)
leaf infested with – Amitraz (Mitac 20EC®)
– Amblyseius californicus (Amblytech®-predatory mite)
“Red Spider Mites” • Spider mites rapidly develop resistance to pesticides, especially
when they are used continuously for several seasons
• To avoid development of resistance, farmers need to:
– Use miticides with different modes of action and chemical
composition/active ingredients- a.i
– Avoid routine spraying
– Use the recommended dosage
22/38
3.8.1.C: Tobacco Whitefly
3-14

Photo: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

“Tobacco Whitefly” on the Tomato leaf

23/38
3.8.1.C: Tobacco Whitefly
3.8.1.C: Tobacco Whitefly
Identification:
• Adult whitefly resembles small white moth – like insect which
cluster on the underside of upper leaves from which they suck sap
• Eggs are laid in arc or circle on the underside of young leaves
3-14 • When eggs hatch they produce greenish white nymphs which
resemble scales
Damages:
• Suck plant sap and remove nutrients which cause yellowing of
infested leaves
• The larvae secrete honey dew which supports growth of black
sooty mould
• Transmit viral diseases, especially Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
(TYLCV)
Control:
• Keep tomato fields weed-free
• Use of yellow sticky traps to monitor their population levels
“Tobacco • Cover tomato seedling nurseries with nylon nets or insect proof
nets to protect seedlings from Whitefly infestations
Whitefly” on the • Use of insecticides, such as (morning & ring spray)
Tomato leaf – Amitraz (Mitac 20EC®)
– Buprofezin (Applaud 40%SC®)
– Azadirachtin (Nimbecidine®)
– Imidacloprid (Confidor 70 WG®)
– Lambda Cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5WG®)
– Lambda- cyhalothrin + Thiamethoxam (LEXUS 247 SC®)
23/38
3.8.1.D: Root-knot Nematode
3-15

Photo: David L. Clement, University of Maryland, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Root galls: characteristic of

“Root-knot Nematode” infestation 24/38
 3.8.1.D: Root-knot Nematode
3.8.1.D: Root-knot Nematode
Description:
• Nematodes are soil inhabitants easily spread by infested seedlings,
soil washed down the slopes or by farm implements
• Root–knot nematodes are most serious on light sandy soils under
furrow irrigation
3-15 Damages:
• Plants are stunted, become yellow and tend to wilt in hot weather
• The roots of infested plants are severely distorted, swollen and bear
galls or knots
• Heavy infestation results in severe loss in yield
Control:
• Burn the top soil using waste plant material after seedbed preparation
• Solarize seedbeds if possible by covering soil with clear polythene sheet
for 2 – 3 months
• Manuring of soil to reduce nematode population
Root galls: • Fields should be ploughed deep and harrowed followed by dry
characteristic of fallow
• Use trap/ repellent crops such as Marigold
“Root-knot • Use of nematicides such as
Nematode” – Paecilomyces lilacinus (BIO-NEMATON 1.15% WP®)
Azadirachtin (Nimbecidine®, Achook EC®)
infestation
– Paecilomyces lilacinus (Mytech WP®)
– Metham sodium (Metham sodium®)
– Abamectin (Adventure 5G®)
– Ethoprophos (MOCAP GR 10®)

24/38
 3.8.1.E: Thrips
3-16a 3-16b

Photo: © A. M. Varela, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Tomato#simple-table-of-contents-4 Photo: SHEP PLUS

Symptoms of Thrips Damage on Tomato (Left)

and TOSPO Virus Symptom (Right)
25/38
3.8.1.E: Thrips
3.8.1.E: Thrips
3-16a Identification:
• Adult thrips are small (0.5 – 2.0 mm), slender and winged
• Wings are long, narrow and fringed with long hairs
• Nymphs are white or yellow
• Both adult and nymphs feed on lower leaf surface, buds,
flowers and fruits
• It transmits the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus/ Tospovirus
(“Kijeshi”)
Damages:
• Attack on leaves causes speckling & small necrotic
Symptoms of Thrips patches
damage on Tomato • Heavy infestation causes premature wilting, delay in leaf
development & distortion of young shoots
• Attack on buds and flowers leads to abortion
3-16b Control:
• Ploughing and harrowing before transplanting to kill
pupae in the soil
• Use of insecticides, such as
– Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 WG®)
– Abamectin + Acetamiprid (Amazing Top
100WDG®)
• Thrips are difficult to control with insecticides because their
habits partially offer protection from insecticides (eggs are
laid in plant tissue, adults shelter in flowers, and larvae
Photo: SHEP PLUS pupate in soil)
Tospovirus symptom
25/38
 3.8.1.F: Tuta Absoluta

3-17a 3-17b

Photo: By Marja van der Straten, NVWA Plant Protection Service, Bugwood.org - http://www.ipmimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5362149,
CC BY 3.0 us, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22430495

Tuta Absoluta adult (left)

and larva (right) 26/38
 3.8.1.F: Tuta Absoluta
3-17a 3.8.1.F: Tuta Absoluta
Identification:
• The moth is grey-brown, same size and posture as
diamond back moth (DBM) and has long antenna and lays
up to 260 eggs
• Newly hatched caterpillars are small (0.5 mm) and
yellowish
• Mature caterpillars (9 mm: fully grown are yellow-green,
Tomato Leafminer have pinkish color on the back and a black band behind
the head
adult • Pupae is light brown and size is 6 mm
3-17b • The larva (caterpillar) is the damaging stage
• Distribution is through seedlings, containers, fruits, soil
& Green houses

Tomato Leafminer
larva
Photos: By Marja van der Straten, NVWA Plant Protection Service,
Bugwood.org -
http://www.ipmimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5432149,
CC BY 3.0 us,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22440495
26/38
 3.10.3.F: Tuta absoluta

3-17c 3-17d

Photo: By N3v3rl4nd - Own work, Public Domain, By Goldlocki - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6598872 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=228832

Scouting on the leaves: Tomato

Leafminer (left) Tuta Absoluta (right)
27/38
 3.8.1.F: Tuta Absoluta
Damages:
• The caterpillar burrows (mines) in the middle of the leaf 3-17c
tissue
• Unlike other Leafminers, it feeds indiscriminately and
from a distance, you see as if leaves are “burning”
• Most distinctive symptoms are the blotch-shaped mines in
the leaves
• It bores on fruits, leaving symptomatic tiny holes
• It also burrows on stems causing breakages
• Can lead to 100% crop loss Photo: By N3v3rl4nd - Own work, Public Domain,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6598872
Control: 3-17c: common leaf miner
• Early control is important before the pest pressure builds
up infesting on leaves which
• Carry out cultural practices like field hygiene, crop normally does not affect the
rotation fruit
• Carry out regular scouting/monitoring of pest population
• Use of pheromone traps to attract male insects for both 3-17d
monitoring/surveillance and pest control e.g.) mating
disruption, mass trapping ‘lure & kill’ method, such as
Tutrak traps
• Use of biological control agents, such as
- Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen®)
- Indoxacarb (Avaunt 150EC®, Merit 150SC®),
Spirotetramat + Flubendiamide (Tihan OD®)
- Thiocyclam 50% w/w; Thiocyclam-hydrogenoxalate By Goldlocki - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
(Evisect S®) and - Imidacloprid (Grizly 175/30 SC®) https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=228832

- Flubendiamide (Belt 480SC®) 3-17d: Leaf-mining pattern of

• The above pest control tactics should be combined in an
IPM strategy Tuta Absoluta
27/38
 3.8.2 Major Diseases &
Physiological Disorders
a b c

d e f g

Photo: © Scot Nelson (Public Domain)

28/38
3.8.2 Major Diseases & Physiological
Disorders

3.8.2 Major Diseases &

Physiological
Disorders
• Disease infection
leads to reduction in
quality and quantity of
produce
• The following are the
major diseases and
physiological
disorders of Tomato in
Kenya:
a. Damping-off
b. Late Blight
c. Early Blight
d. Bacterial Wilt
e. Tomato Mosaic
f. Blossom-end Rot
g. Fusarium Wilt

28/38
3.8.2.a: Damping-off
3-19

Photo: Infonet Biovision (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Pests/Damping-diseases

“Damping-off” symptoms on seedlings

29/38
3.8.2.a: Damping-off

3.8.2.a: Damping-off

3-19 General Description:

• This disease is soil borne
Symptoms:
• Decay of germinating seed
• Girdling of stem of young seedling at
ground level
Control:
• Use of certified seed
• Avoid locating the seedbed on infested
field
• Avoid excessive fertilizer application
and watering to young seedlings while
“Damping-off” symptoms on still at nursery bed
• Apply chemicals such as:
seedlings – Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Amidil
68WG)

29/38
3.8.2.b: Late Blight
3-20 3-21

Photo: Gerald Holmes, California Polytechnic State Photo: Edward Sikora, Auburn University,
University at San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

“Late Blight” on foliage and fruits

30/38
 3.8.2.b: Late Blight
3.8.2.b: Late Blight
General Descriptions:
• This is a fungal disease which affects foliage and fruits
• The development of the disease is favoured by cool and
wet conditions
3-20 3-21 Symptoms:
• Irregular greenish-black water soaked patches on
leaves
• The spots on the leaves later turn brown and the
attacked leaves wither but remain attached to the stem
• Water soaked brown streaks on stem
• Grey water soaked spots on fruits – usually the upper
half of the fruit with foul smell
Control:
• Crop rotation
• Removal of all volunteer crops that are more susceptible
to this disease
• Pruning and staking in order to improve air circulation
“Late Blight” on foliage and reduce humidity
and fruits • Use of fungicides, such as:
– Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil Gold MZ68®)
– Propineb + Cymoxanil (Milraz WP76®)
– Mancozeb (Dithane M45®)
– Dimethomorph + Mancozeb (Acrobat MZ®)

30/38
3.8.2.c: Early Blight
3-22

Photo: SHEP PLUS

“Early Blight” on foliage

31/38
3.8.2.c: Early Blight
3.8.2.c: Early Blight
General Descriptions:
• This is a fungal disease which affects foliage and fruits
• The fungus is seed borne
• It is well adapted to semi-arid areas; warm wet weather
• The disease is favoured by warm rainy weather

3-22 Symptoms:
• Premature loss of lower leaves is the main symptom
• On leaves, brown circular spots with dark concentric
rings
• Leaves turn yellow and dry when only a few spots
appear
• On fruits, large sunken areas with dark concentric rings
appearing velvet
Control:
• Use of certified seeds
• Appropriate spacing
“Early Blight” on foliage • Avoid overhead irrigation, water in the morning and
keep plants healthy/ stress-free
• Use of fungicides, such as
– Chlorothalonil (Odeon® 82.5WDG)
– Manconzeb (Oshothane®)
– Propineb (Antracol WP70®)
– Mancozeb + Cymoxanil (Agromax®)
– Propineb + Iprovalicarb (Melody Duo®)
31/38
3.8.2.d: Bacterial Wilt
3-24

Photo: Don Ferrin, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Symptom of “Bacterial Wilt” infection

32/38
3.8.2.d: Bacterial Wilt
3.8.2.d: Bacterial Wilt
General Descriptions:
• This is a bacterial disease which is soil-borne
• It is easily spread by run off water and infested soil
Symptoms:
3-24 • Rapid wilting and death of entire plant without
yellowing or spotting of leaves
• When the stem of a wilted plant is cut across, the pith has
a darkened water – soaked appearance
• When stem of wilted plant is squeezed, a greyish slimy
ooze is produced
• To distinguish this wilt from others when a thin slice is
taken from the brown stem tissue and placed inside a
glass of water, a milky ooze is produced from the cut
surface
Control:
• Practice crop rotation with crops such as cereals
• Remove wilted plants, with the soil around roots, from the
field and destroy
Symptom of “Bacterial • Solarize planting beds
Wilt” infection • Spot treatment with Sodium Hypochlorite at 10 %
dilution (Jik) or with lime/ ash
• Sterilize pruning tools
• Use of Metam sodium (METHAM SODIUM 51 Liquid
soluble®), Bronopol (ENRICH BM Wettable Powder®)
32/38
3.8.2.e: Tomato Mosaic Virus
3-24 3-25

Photo: University of Georgia Plant Pathology , University of Georgia, Photo: © A. A. Seif and A. M. Varela, icipe
Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-
biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Tomato#simple-
table-of-contents-4

Symptoms of “Tomato Mosaic Virus”

infection on foliage and fruit
33/38
3.8.2.e: Tomato Mosaic Virus

3-25 3.8.2.e: Tomato Mosaic Virus

General Descriptions:
• This is a viral disease which is easily
transmitted by infected seed and plant debris
in the soil
• Mechanically transmitted through
transplanting seedlings and pruning tools
Symptoms:
• Mottling of leaves with raised dark green
areas
3-26 • The shape of young leaves is distorted
• Internal browning of fruits, especially when
fruits are affected at mature green stage
Control:
• Use certified disease-free seeds
• Remove crop debris and roots from the field
• Do not smoke or touch cigarettes as the virus
is transmitted from tobacco leaves even if it
is processed
Symptoms of “Tomato
Mosaic Virus” infection on
foliage and fruit 33/38
 3.8.2.f: Blossom-end Rot
3-27

Photo: M.E. Bartolo, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Tomato fruits affected by “Blossom-end Rot”

34/38
3.8.2.f: Blossom-end Rot

3.8.2.f: Blossom-end Rot

3-27 General Descriptions:
• This is a physiological condition caused
by calcium nitrogen imbalance in the soil,
especially when moisture level in the soil is
low
Symptoms:
• A rot at the blossom-end of the fruit
• The surface becomes dark brown and
sunken
Control:
• Maintain adequate soil moisture,
especially at fruit development stages
• Soil liming in calcium deficient soils,
reduce N and mulch the field
Tomato fruits affected by • Top-dress with CN, Mavuno Planting and
“Blossom-end Rot” ensure adequate soil moisture
• Spray the crop with calcium chloride
• Foliar application of EASY-GRO
CALCIUM®

34/38
3.8.2.g: Fusarium Wilt
3-27

Photo: © Scot Nelson (Public Domain Mark 1.0)

Symptoms of Fusarium Wilt

35/38
 3.8.2.g: Fusarium Wilt
3.8.2.g: Fusarium Wilt
General Descriptions:
• The fungus is both seed- and soil-borne.
• It causes most damage on light, sandy soils.
o
• It is most active at temperatures between 25 and 32 C.
• The fungus can survive in the soil indefinitely even when no
tomatoes are grown.
3-27 • It can also survive in fibrous roots of weeds (e.g. Amaranthus,
Digitaria and Malva species).
• Acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 5.6) and excessive nitrogen fertilisation
promote disease development.
Symptoms:
• The lower leaves of the plant usually turn yellow and die.
• Leaflets on one side may be affected while those on the other side
are symptomless.
• Diseased leaves readily break away from the stem. When affected
stems just above ground level and petioles are cut diagonally, a
reddish-brown discolouration of the water conducting tissues
Photo: © Scot Nelson (Public Domain Mark 1.0) will be observed.
Control:
Symptoms of Fusarium • Use resistant tomato varieties (e.g. "Fortune Maker", "Rio Grande",
"Tengeru 97", "Roma VFN“, “Eden F1”, “Rambo F1”, “Anna F1”).
Wilt • Use certified disease-free seeds.
• Do not locate seedbeds on land where Fusarium wilt is known to
have occurred.
• Where soil is acidic, raise the pH by applying lime or farmyard
manure.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilisation and control root-knot
nematodes. 35/38
4. Harvest
4-1

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Harvesting of Tomatoes
36/38
 4. Harvest 4. Harvest
4.1 Harvesting Indices (GHCP&PHHT20: Q17)
• Maturity period range between 3 – 4 months after
transplanting depending on:
– The variety
– Environmental conditions
• Tomato can be harvested at different stages depending
on the market requirement and distance to the market
4-1 • There are four (4) main harvesting stages:
– Mature-Green Stage: where the fruit is green but
internal gel is well developed
– Breaker/turning Stage: up to 30 % of fruit surface
has definite color break from green to yellow
– Pink/Light Red Stage: 30 – 90 % fruit surface has
pink/red color
– Red/Ripe Stage: over 90 % fruit surface has
Photo: SHEP PLUS
changed to red color
• Fruits should be harvested early in the morning when it
Harvesting of Tomatoes is cool since the fruit temperature is low
• Harvested fruits should be kept in a cool, shaded and
ventilated area in order to minimize heat gain
• Where necessary, wipe fruits to remove dirt
• The yields vary from 12,000 – 40,000kg per acre
depending on the variety and crop husbandry

36/38
5. Post-Harvest Handling
5-1

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Graded tomatoes packed in crates

37/38
5. Post-Harvest Handling
5. Post-Harvest Handling
5.1 Containers & Packaging Materials
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q18)
5-1 • Tomatoes are normally packed in wooden & plastic
crates
5.2 Value Addition Techniques: Cleaning, Sorting,
Grading & Processing (GHCP&PHHT20: Q19)
Sorting:
• Sorting is done to remove damaged or diseased
fruits.
Grading:
• Tomatoes are graded depending on the uniformity of
ripening and fruit size
Photo: SHEP PLUS
• There are tree (3) main tomato grades:
– Grade 1: big size fruits of uniform color and
Graded tomatoes packed in shape
crates – Grade 2: medium size fruits of uniform color
and shape
– Grade 3: small size fruits with slight variation in
color and shape

37/38
5. Post-Harvest Handling
Cont’
5-2

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Tomatoes in crates ready to be transported

to the market 38/38
5. Post-Harvest Handling Cont’
5.2 Value Addition Techniques: Cleaning,
Sorting, Grading, & Processing Cont’
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q19)
5-2 Processing:
• Processing Tomatoes into high value
products such as jam, sauce, and pickles
enables farmers to earn more income

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Tomatoes in crates ready to

be transported to the market

38/38