Knowledgebase
Is this tomato blight? #878744
Asked July 25, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hello Larry,
Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question about your tomato plant leaf. From your picture, the prognosis would most likely be Early Blight. Early Blight usually happens when fungal spores over wintering in the ground are splashed onto the bottom leaves of the tomato plant or brought there by an insect. I am attaching 2 really good resources with strategies to help remediate this problem. At the very least, you should make sure the plants are well weeded to allow for good air flow, place hay underneath to help stop the splash ups, pull off those lower leaves and dispose of them properly, if you water, make sure you don't water the leaves, and stake them up on a sunny day when the leaves are dry.
I am embedding two links with some information that you might find useful. The first link is from the UVM website. It explains some good gardening practices that will help keep tomato plants healthy. It also has some photos so you will be able to visually compare Early Blight to Late Blight.
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/Tomato_Problems_2016_2.pdf
The second link is from the Missouri Botanical Garden and has a list of 6 specific integrated pest management strategies. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/fungal-spots/early-blight-of-tomato
I wish you the best of luck with your tomato plants and thank you for your question.
Thank you very much Lisa!
Larry
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2024 9:37 PM
To: Larry Mindell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Is this tomato blight? (#0148662)
Hello,
I’m wondering if you could recommend someone who could pay us a short visit to assess the condition of a section of our lawn that has deteriorated significantly since it was sodded 4 years ago, and who could offer recommendations for improving it. We live in Williston.
Thank you,
Larry Mindell
<personal data hidden>
From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2024 9:37 PM
To: Larry Mindell
Subject: Re: Is this tomato blight? (#0148662)
Master Gardener Volunteers do not provide personal site visits to home gardens. You could search for a lawn specialist through the VNLA - https://vnlavt.org/
I am including some resources on lawn diseases, management, etc. that you might find helpful.
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/whats-wrong-with-my-lawn
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Master-Gardener/UVMExt_Soil_Fertility_Recommendations_for_Vt_Lawns_7p.pdf
https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/lawn/lawn-care-the-easiest-steps-to-an-attractive-environmental-asset/
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further home gardening questions, please open up a new ticket @ https://www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener/helpline
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Thank you Lisa!
Larry
From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of University of Vermont
Sent: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 11:39 AM
To: Larry Mindell
Subject: Re: Is this tomato blight? (#0148662)