THE EFFECTS OF POLYBUTENE EMULSIONS ON GREENHOUSE TOMATOES AND THE CONTROL OF LEAF MOLD

Abstract

Polybutene emulsion sprays effectively controlled tomato leaf mold in the greenhouse. A spray of 0.25% H-35 emulsion applied weekly controlled mold effectively but significantly reduced the yield of tomatoes. Applications at 2-week intervals resulted in a moderate infection. The latter gave the greatest yield and a marketable yield only 3% less than the standard Manzate treatment. The emulsifier also reduced mold severity. Weekly applications of H-35 emulsion left an objectionable sticky residue on the fruit. Residues of lower viscosity polymers (L-100 and L-50), although less sticky, were still undesirable owing to their content of the viscous polymer H-100.