Survey of tomato seedling growers in key tomato-producing tehsils of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, during Kharif 2023

Abstract

During the Kharif 2023, a comprehensive survey was conducted in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra to collect the data on variety grown, seedling production season, seed treatment, double door facility, hardening facility, hardening period (days), insect proof net size, plant protection measures taken, fertiliser application, pest infestation. A comprehensive survey of nurseries revealed that the majority of nurseries keep their seedlings outside protected structures. This practice makes the plants susceptible to pest infestations and viral diseases. Furthermore, it was discovered that most nurseries do not use insect-proof nets during the hardening stage of seedling growth. As a result, seedlings in all surveyed nurseries showed signs of damage caused by whitefly, leaf miners, aphid and thrips. This damage was visible despite the regular application of pesticides. The lack of adequate protection and preventive measures is contributing to ongoing pest problems and poor seedling health in these nurseries.