I am having problems with black spots on the stems and leaves of my tomato plants. I have about 10 plants and about half are affected. I have been spraying them with Ortho Disease Control and removing the affected stems and leaves but the problem seems to get worse. I have even been watering close to the ground to avoid splashing dirt on the plant.
Is there any way to save my plants? I would rather not have to destroy them and start over if I don't have to since I have invested a lot of time into them.
Most likely it's blight. If you want to save the rest of the crop, you have to completely remove the damaged plants now...I found this tidbit online:
Early blight (Alternaria leaf spot) (Figure 5) is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. Symptoms become prevalent during the hotter months. This disease produces brown to black, target-like spots on older leaves. If severe, the fungus also attacks stems and fruit. Affected leaves may turn yellow, then drop, leaving the fruit exposed to sunburn. Sanitation is the best control. Remove all diseased plant tissue on the ground, as the fungus overwinters on leaf debris. Do not plant tomatoes in the same place next year. Space plants farther apart to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation. If the infestation is heavy, sulfur dust may help protect new leaves from infection.
I've had blight and it ravaged the entire crop in a matter of days. My problem that year was that they were planted too close together so they got no circulation and the disease spread quickly since the leaves were touching eat other.
The same applies to potatoes. Neither should be planted near each other and the same soil should not be used in subsequent years. If you're unable to save that crop, plant the next one elsewhere....or perhaps start another one in another spot now....well away from the diseased plants. Also...don't compost the diseased plants - it'll just pass on the disease (I never compost any part of the tomato plant - disease or no).
bookmarked. See if you can figure out exactly what disease in on the leaves so you can apply the correct remedy.
If you're still not sure, put a couple of the leaves in a baggie, and take them to your local extension agent or to a nursery with a knowledgeable staff.
The key is identifying what you have, so you can get proper treatment for the tomatoes.
This is a common fungus on tomats, usually starting on the lower leaves and works it way up. If it gets going early in the season and it/s not controlled, your crop can be quickly doomed.
Get Ye Some Fungicide and Applyith Forthwith - Double Strength - and All Will Not Be Lost! Spray weekly until the solution begins to drip from the leaves throughout the growing season for best results.
I like Maneb v. Daconil products b/c for the same money, you use less with Maneb.
Avoid copper sprays, if you can b/c they tend to clog sprayer tubes and nozzles.
Some fungus diseases result from rainwater splashing off infected soil, so I apply a mulch of grass clippings to reduce that risk.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.