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Tomato diesease #869272

Asked May 20, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT

I planted 32 tomato plants, and all have been infected by some disease. They were started in 3.5X5" pots, I used sunshine Mix 4 growing media, which has mychorizal in it. 16 hours of artificial light per day. Temp of the growing area was between 70-80, and fairly humid. Peppers I had in the same area grew beautifully, already blossoming, as well as cucumbers, seed grown apples, a variety of herbs, plenty of light, no plants have been leggy. Plants started to thin out, leaf branches dying off, main stem developing a Tan/brown growth that appears to girdle them to death. Roots are still very nice and white, no brown or black rot. I only bottom water and used a dilute fertilizer when them started getting thin, which didn't help. All plants used same grow mix, however it's not sterile. Why are only my tomatoes sick? I want to prevent it next year.

Otter Tail County Minnesota

Expert Response

It looks like your tomatoes are suffering from damping off. This can be an issue when using unsterile media to grow in or unsterile pots.

I can’t be certain from looking at the photos and there are other problems that can look very much like damping off. One is over-fertilization. Another is excessive watering. 

Below is some helpful information.the first video is long but stick with it and you will learn some valuable information. 

I’m curious. You said you planted apple seeds. Are you aware that they will not grow true to the apple you harvested them from?

https://www.pbs.org/video/seed-starting-101-u3dhr9/

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/damping-off-in-flower-and-vegetable-seedlings

Deb Reierson Replied May 22, 2024, 11:34 AM EDT

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