Tomato plants disease - Ask Extension
Last year my tomato plants had a disease which eventually took them all out. My yield was very low and tomatoes were damaged. The leaves are yellowi...
Knowledgebase
Tomato plants disease #879734
Asked August 01, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
Last year my tomato plants had a disease which eventually took them all out. My yield was very low and tomatoes were damaged. The leaves are yellowing and curling. I see black spots on the stems. The tomatoes are also deformed.
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
The black spots suggest it could be a number of things, possibly early blight, or tomato spotted wilt virus/ impatiens necrotic spot virus or bacterial canker. To get a more specific diagnosis you can bring in a sample to our office at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont CO.
Best,
Master Gardener
Best,
Master Gardener
Hi ~
I dropped off two samples and completed the forms, but I never did hear from you on any results.
Is it possible for you to check into the results? Maybe my email address was illegible on the form? People often substitute an h for the k. I think it was maybe around August 19th?
Mickele Bragg, Cell 720.431.3052
Plan | Engage | Grow, Clarity Now Consulting
World Trade Activator, World Trade Center Denver
Hi Mikele,
Thank you for contacting us again about your tomatoes. We were unable to find any record of your having dropped off a sample with a diagnostics form.
Though it's difficult to diagnose a problem from photos, I can give you what appears to be happening with your tomatoes. I'm assuming your plants are no longer available to provide us with another sample.
From your photos, it appears that your tomatoes may have early blight. This is caused be a fungus that becomes prevalent during the hotter months.
The disease produces brown to black, target-like spots on older leaves. When the disease is severe, as yours appears to be, the fungus also attacks stems and fruit.
Affected leaves may turn yellow, then drop, which leaves any fruit on the plant exposed to sunburn.
If you haven't already removed the plants, it would be best to do so. The best control is sanitation. Do this by removing all diseased plant tissue on the ground, as the fungus overwinters on leaf debris. Don't plant tomatoes in the same place next year. Space plants further apart to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation.
If the infestation is heavy, sulfur dust may help protect new leaves from infection. This is something to keep in mind should you have the same problem next year.
If you'd like a refund of the diagnostics fee, you may come in to pick up cash, or if you'd rather a check, please provide your name, phone number, email and mailing address.
If you want to talk to someone before making a decision, please call our main number at<personal data hidden>. You'll be directed to the proper person.
Best,
Colorado Master Gardener
Thank you for contacting us again about your tomatoes. We were unable to find any record of your having dropped off a sample with a diagnostics form.
Though it's difficult to diagnose a problem from photos, I can give you what appears to be happening with your tomatoes. I'm assuming your plants are no longer available to provide us with another sample.
From your photos, it appears that your tomatoes may have early blight. This is caused be a fungus that becomes prevalent during the hotter months.
The disease produces brown to black, target-like spots on older leaves. When the disease is severe, as yours appears to be, the fungus also attacks stems and fruit.
Affected leaves may turn yellow, then drop, which leaves any fruit on the plant exposed to sunburn.
If you haven't already removed the plants, it would be best to do so. The best control is sanitation. Do this by removing all diseased plant tissue on the ground, as the fungus overwinters on leaf debris. Don't plant tomatoes in the same place next year. Space plants further apart to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation.
If the infestation is heavy, sulfur dust may help protect new leaves from infection. This is something to keep in mind should you have the same problem next year.
If you'd like a refund of the diagnostics fee, you may come in to pick up cash, or if you'd rather a check, please provide your name, phone number, email and mailing address.
If you want to talk to someone before making a decision, please call our main number at<personal data hidden>. You'll be directed to the proper person.
Best,
Colorado Master Gardener
