A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR LATE BLIGHT MANAGEMENT IN POTATO AND TOMATO

Abstract

Late blight is a highly destructive disease primarily affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and some other closely related crops such as aubergine, pepper, solanaceous weeds such as nightshade species, wild tomato etc. This disease is caused by fungus-like organism oomycetes also known as water mold called Phytophthora infestans. Whereas early blight of potato and tomato are caused by fungus Alternaria solani and Alternaria tomatophila respectively. Heinrich Anton De Bary, the father of modern plant pathology studied the epidemics of Late Blight in 1863 and renamed the causal organism Phytophthora infestans (infectious plant destroyer). The disease is severe in areas with high humidity and rainfall and spreads through wind, rain, or contaminated plant material capable of causing entire crop failure if left uncontrolled. Late blight affects foliage, fruit, and tuber and its symptoms include dark, water-soaked lesions on the stem, leaves, and fruit which can rapidly develop into brown, necrotic areas ultimately leading to plant death. Control measures for late blight includes crop rotation, the use of resistant varieties and the application of fungicides. However, the emergence of more virulent strains of Phytophthora infestans and the development of resistance to fungicide application pose ongoing challenges to effective disease management. This paper reviews the current knowledge on management strategies for late blight focusing on integrated disease management approaches. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of integrated management strategies are discussed.