Tomato disease question - Ask Extension
Hi,
I am struggling with tomatoes disease this season. I was hoping to learn what is wrong with this plant and if there is anything I can do. All t...
Knowledgebase
Tomato disease question #876500
Asked July 09, 2024, 12:11 PM EDT
Hi,
I am struggling with tomatoes disease this season. I was hoping to learn what is wrong with this plant and if there is anything I can do. All three photos are from the same plant.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kira,
The yellowing leaves are at the bottom and some of the oldest leaves on the plant. These aren't a concern - older leaves will yellow and sometimes shed.
The cracking on the fruit is called "cat-facing" and is caused by abiotic (non living) issues, such as environmental or cultural things. Here's a good publication from Auburn (I know it's a completely different part of the country, but this is an issue we see throughout the U.S.): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/catfacing-of-tomatoes/
The fruit will probably ripen, but will be deformed. It may ripen unevenly and may not be of the best quality. You could just remove the affected fruits and allow the plant to develop new flowers and fruit instead of putting energy into ripening these.
The yellowing leaves are at the bottom and some of the oldest leaves on the plant. These aren't a concern - older leaves will yellow and sometimes shed.
The cracking on the fruit is called "cat-facing" and is caused by abiotic (non living) issues, such as environmental or cultural things. Here's a good publication from Auburn (I know it's a completely different part of the country, but this is an issue we see throughout the U.S.): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/catfacing-of-tomatoes/
The fruit will probably ripen, but will be deformed. It may ripen unevenly and may not be of the best quality. You could just remove the affected fruits and allow the plant to develop new flowers and fruit instead of putting energy into ripening these.
