A NON-CHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE CONTROL OF PYRENOCHAETA LYCOPERSICI OF TOMATO IN THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL

The greenhouse was covered by a plastic film, and was naturally infested with P. lycopersici.

The mulching of the moistened soil with 30 μm transparent polyethylene plastic film occurred for eight weeks in the summer of 1991. Maximum temperatures of 40–42°C were observed at a depth of 10 cm and temperatures between 30–35°C were registered at a depth of 35cm.

The soil solarization method had a significant influence in controlling the corky root disease and reduced the incidence of P. lycopersici by 26 %. The method was also responsible for a significant increase in yield of 26%, as well as for improving the growth of tomato plants.

No significant differences were found in the concentration of mineral nutrients, electric conductivity and pH of the soil as a result of the soil solarization.