Incidence of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus Disease (ToLCV) on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Their Management Using Different Biopesticides

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely grown commercial vegetable crops in India and many other countries worldwide. Tomato is known as both a productive and protective food. It plays a significant role in human nutrition because it is a rich source of lycopene, minerals (iron and phosphorus), organic acids, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, and vitamins such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and β-carotene (provitamin A), which are antioxidants and promote good health. Tomato production is seriously hampered by tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), with recorded yield losses of 90%. Geminiviruses constitute the largest and most economically significant group of plant viruses transmitted by Bemisia tabaci. The research trials were conducted during Kharif 2025-26 at the Department of Entomology, Rainfed Agricultural Research Farm Narayan Bagh, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), to observe the incidence and management of tomato leaf curl virus disease (ToLCV). The present investigation showed that leaf curl virus is the pathogen involved in ToLCV disease of tomato, is vectored by whitefly, and is one of the constraints on tomato production. The prediction equation obtained through stepwise multiple regression, incorporating whitefly population, evaporation, and minimum temperature, could be used to predict the incidence of ToLCV disease. A foliar spray of Cyantraniliprole 10.20% OD @ 1.2 ml/l + Neem oil @ 2 ml/l could be recommended for effective management of whitefly and ToLCV disease of tomato based on the percentage reduction in disease, vector population, and highest yield.