What is killing my tomatoes? - Ask Extension
Whatever destroyed my San marzano tomatoes is spreading to my other plants. It started with yellowing leaves and a few small fruits. I also have hone...
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What is killing my tomatoes? #880456
Asked August 06, 2024, 6:21 PM EDT
Whatever destroyed my San marzano tomatoes is spreading to my other plants. It started with yellowing leaves and a few small fruits. I also have honeybees so I generally do not use pesticides or herbicides. The first pic is from 7/23, the second from 8/6.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
It seems that one explanation is tomato spotted wilt virus. Unfortunately, in the case of this virus, the plants need to be removed and destroyed (not composted) so other plants are not infected. See this site if you'd like more information:
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on tomatoes | Vegetable Pathology – Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (cornell.edu)
Another explanation is Fusarium wilt which has symptoms very similar to spotted wilt virus. The leaves wilt and the disease affects nearby plants. Fusarium wilt is a fungus and may be more prevalent. According to the following site, there are no chemical solutions. Fusarium wilt | UMN Extension This site recommends removing the affected plants and disposing of them.
The following site, a non-academic site, suggests the possibility of using a fungicide. If you do, you must follow the directions exactly.
Fusarium Wilt of Tomato Plant: How to Identify, Control & Prevent? - The Scientific Gardener
I would probably remove the plants either way - whether it is the virus or the fungus. I am so sorry about your tomatoes - it's so frustrating. Sincerely,
It seems that one explanation is tomato spotted wilt virus. Unfortunately, in the case of this virus, the plants need to be removed and destroyed (not composted) so other plants are not infected. See this site if you'd like more information:
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on tomatoes | Vegetable Pathology – Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (cornell.edu)
Another explanation is Fusarium wilt which has symptoms very similar to spotted wilt virus. The leaves wilt and the disease affects nearby plants. Fusarium wilt is a fungus and may be more prevalent. According to the following site, there are no chemical solutions. Fusarium wilt | UMN Extension This site recommends removing the affected plants and disposing of them.
The following site, a non-academic site, suggests the possibility of using a fungicide. If you do, you must follow the directions exactly.
Fusarium Wilt of Tomato Plant: How to Identify, Control & Prevent? - The Scientific Gardener
I would probably remove the plants either way - whether it is the virus or the fungus. I am so sorry about your tomatoes - it's so frustrating. Sincerely,
Hi again, Our OSU education coordinator suggested that you might want to send a sample of the plant to the following site if you really want to know exactly which disease is killing your plants. Good luck!
