Late blight intensifies in autumn, demands fungicides: Sindiveg

During the autumn season, the proliferation of late blight increases and causes significant losses in both quality and quantity in crops.

Tomato with Phytophthora infestans (late blight)

Thee fungal disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, which develops rapidly in humid climates.

The impact of late blight on tomato cultivation can lead to a productivity setback ranging from 20% to 70% depending on climate conditions and management practices, as shown by data from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

According to Fábio Kagi, Manager of Regulatory Affairs at the Sindiveg (National Union of the Plant Protection Products Industry), the disease must be controlled with the assertive use of fungicides.

He then pointed out that the first noticeable symptoms are small dark spots on the leaves of infected plants, which can spread to adjacent leaves. Consequently, the contaminated leaves turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die, emitting a strong odor.

″The fruits are also affected, showing irregular and dark spots, with a brownish appearance, oily texture, and firm consistency, which increase in size and spread throughout the surface, causing hard rot but without falling off,″ he said.

Since it is a highly aggressive disease, in specific cases, it can destroy entire crops within a few days, Kagi added, stressing that to prevent this scenario, it is important for producers to remain vigilant in preventing and controlling the disease to preserve the productive potential, quality, and profitability of their crop, which is significant in Brazil and around the world.

He then recommended the adoption of certain practices, such as the appropriate application of fungicides, integrated pest and disease management, crop rotation, planting in well-drained areas and at appropriate times, plant spacing, using resistant varieties, ensuring adequate plant nutrition, and eliminating crop residues.

"The adoption of fungicides in disease control in various crops, such as tomatoes, has helped producers maintain their productive potential," he affirmed.

As shown by field research commissioned by Sindiveg to Kynetec Brasil in early 2024, the area treated with pesticides (PAT) has been increasing, with a total volume of 811,598 tons being used in the last harvest (2023/24), considering the number of necessary applications.

"Of this total, 24% refers to the use of fungicides, an essential solution for late blight control," Kagi said.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)