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white or bleached spots on tomato leaves #869377

Asked May 20, 2024, 10:17 PM EDT

My tomato transplants (Mortgage lifter, Umamin, Black Krim) are in their intermediate 1-qt containers before setting out in garden soil. When still seedlings, their environment became too humid - actually raining under the clear plastic cover - and maybe too warm sitting on the heat mats. Some leaves developed dead spots. This has resolved. Now, the plants are growing well, but some leaves are showing white or bleached looking spots. Is this related to the former problem? Photos show previous problem, 2 photos of present question. Is this a problem that might cause problems with plant health or yield. I am devoting space to 18 plants, and so have an investment in the space and time. Thanks for advice and comments. Images: 1 of old problem, 2 of current.

Lamoille County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi Ed,

Thank you for contacting the UVM Master Gardener Helpline and providing excellent photos. Kudos to you for selecting varieties of tomatoes are very flavorful!

I consulted with Dr. Ann Hazelrigg who is the Director of the UVM Plants Diagnostic Clinic and she diagnosed the white spots/brown spotting as an abiotic injury associated with cold damage. An abiotic injury is an issue caused by environmental conditions and not a pest or disease. Either the plants were subjected to cold soils or cold temps. There is no need to worry - the affected plants will grow out of it just fine. Regarding the weird discoloration of the leaf, it is a genetic abnormality. Some cultivars are prone to this and it is not certain why. Luckily, it does not affect the health of the plant.

Additional links for further information:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-tomatoes/

https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening/garden-management/common-problems-in-seedlings-and-transplants

I hope this helps and happy gardening!

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