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Tomato Diseases: Viral or Fungal? #865982

Asked April 26, 2024, 11:16 AM EDT

Hello! I was hoping that the agricultural extension could help me out with this one. I’m starting tomatoes indoors under grow lights. I have moved them outside for a few hours on our warmer days but otherwise they remained inside. I went on vacation for a week and they were neglected by my house sitter. They were shriveled when I got home so I watered deeply and most appeared to bounce back aside from some curled leaves. Recently they’ve been dropping leaves and I’ve been finding sections of necrotic tissue and leaf vein splitting. The areas appear black and wet occasionally with yellowed centers. Not all plants are affected, with my Super 100 variety untouched and my Big Rainbow suffering the most. Whiteflies are a confirmed issue outdoors that I am treating, and thrips were suspected but never confirmed. I would like to know if it’s a virus or simply fungal before I scrap all my starts or risk infecting peppers, squash or other varieties. Thank you!

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Sydney:

It doesn't look like any of the regular tomato diseases we see.  I believe it may have been caused by the irregular watering pattern.  I'm going to attach a great rundown of tomato problems, it includes pictures and a chart.  I think you'll find it informative.  I'm also attaching a bulletin on signs of overwatering.

Key to Common Problems of Tomatoes

Signs of Overwatering in Tomato Plants

Thank you for your question,
Cristi Replied May 01, 2024, 7:14 PM EDT

Hi there, unfortunately I gave them some time to recover and whatever it is ended up spreading. Peppers, okra, milkweed and basil have been affected. I’ve attached some photos. I’ve lost multiple tomatoes, all milkweed and half of my basil. I attempted to treat using Earthworks fungicide, with no discernible results, then moved to a copper fungicide two days ago and it seems to have worsened drastically. The white film on the leaves is copper fungicide residue.

Pepper leaves are heavily mottled with purple underneath and at the margins and tomato leaves appear crisp and dried at the tip with no yellowing. Basil showed dark, irregular patches on leaves before dropping lower leaves and eventually all.

Tomatillos, Ground Cherries and Litchi Tomatoes are thus far unaffected. Can provide more photos if needed. I would appreciate some help before I scrap the whole lot, thank you! 

The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2024, 1:50 AM EDT

Additional photos.

The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2024, 1:51 AM EDT
Hi Sydney,   Feel free to contact me at the number below if you are still having problems.  We would likely have you bring some samples to our plant clinic in Redmond.  

Thanks   
Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied May 23, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT

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