Complementing TOMCAST by Developing a Comprehensive Tomato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Long-term field studies were undertaken to compare TOMCAST to conventional (calendar) spray programs for processing tomatoes in Ohio. In a ten-year period fruit quality, yield and disease control did not differ between fields sprayed with the TOMCAST system compared to calendar spray schedules. In most years TOMCAST reduced the number of fungicide applications. A series of research and demonstration trials were conducted to adapt TOMCAST to changing needs within the processing tomato industry. The influence of cultivar resistance and different fungicides were tested, and fungicide spray intervals were modified to meet the needs of fresh market and whole pack growers. For TOMCAST to be part of a complete tomato IPM program, insect monitoring guidelines were developed to help growers coordinate insecticide and fungicide sprays.