# Tomato plant disease and pest research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tomato-plant-disease-and-pest-research > Updated: 2026-09-02T22:31:52.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Scientific research into tomato plants has focused on both disease management and the discovery of protective biological properties. Initial studies addressed the management of tomato brown leaf spot, a fungal disease prevalent in high-humidity environments, and investigated the pest-repellent capabilities of compounds found in wild tomato varieties. One specific substance, IBI-246, demonstrated effectiveness against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and cockroaches in laboratory settings. Subsequent research has shifted toward biological solutions for crop protection. Scientists at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique identified specific beneficial bacteria, including strains of Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas marginalis, that can combat bacterial canker. These bacterial strains have shown the ability to delay disease symptoms and reduce overall disease severity, offering a potential sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Beneficial bacteria identified to protect tomato crops and boost growth Researchers have identified beneficial bacteria that protect tomato crops from bacterial canker while promoting plant growth, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beneficial-bacteria-identified-to-protect-tomato-crops-and-boost-growth ### 2026-08-09: Tomato research explores disease management and pest repellent properties Research explores the dual nature of tomatoes: managing the fungal brown leaf spot disease in crops and utilizing compounds from wild varieties to develop insect repellents against ticks and mosquitoes. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tomato-research-explores-disease-management-and-pest-repellent-properties --- Cite as: Tomato plant disease and pest research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tomato-plant-disease-and-pest-research