Tomato - 'bruising/lesions' on fruit and brown leaves - Ask Extension
I have recently been noticing a issue that my tomato plants (Black Krim and Cherokee Purple) are having. The first 2 ripe tomatoes that we picked had ...
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Tomato - 'bruising/lesions' on fruit and brown leaves #878072
Asked July 20, 2024, 10:29 PM EDT
I have recently been noticing a issue that my tomato plants (Black Krim and Cherokee Purple) are having. The first 2 ripe tomatoes that we picked had what looked like bruising on the sides (not blossom end rot) and appear to be rotting from the inside out (I did not have photographs of the first 2 tomatoes). Up to that point we had been noticing a fairly significant leaf curl on sections of each plant but figured it was due to the excessive heat wave that was going thru the area. The leaves started to brown on different areas of the plant and a I found an unripe tomato that had a hard bruise/lesion on the side. I had one of the Master Gardeners recommend i email Ask the Extension for help identifying the potential problem. I have attached photos
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
This looks like the fruit could have some sunburn on it or possibly stinkbug feeding to cause that bumping or strange bruising on the skin.
The leaves just look like heat/sun and drought stress - scorch symptoms. Its been so hot and dry that even with watering regularly, tomato leaves are looking like this. Overall it shouldn't effect the tomato growing and producing. Sometimes high heat can prevent tomatoes from maturing or producing fruit as well.
This week should be helpful with lower temps and more rain but just keep up with deep watering daily if in the ground and potentially twice daily if in containers if needed.
Emily
