How to Get Rid of Rust on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a favorite among vegetable gardeners, but they can fall victim to rust. Rust is a common fungal disease that can cause the leaves on your tomato plants to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of rust on tomato plants, and prevent it from coming back.

Identify the Problem

The first step to getting rid of rust on tomato plants is to identify the problem. Rust appears as small, orange-brown spots on the leaves and stems of your tomato plants. As the disease progresses, the spots will grow and eventually turn black. The leaves will also start to turn yellow and fall off the plant. Once you have identified the problem, you can take action to get rid of the rust.

Prune and Remove Affected Leaves

The next step is to prune and remove affected leaves. Remove all the leaves that are infected with rust and any leaves that have fallen off the plant. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. Make sure to dispose of these leaves away from the garden, as the rust spores can easily spread to other plants.

Apply Fungicide

If the rust has spread to more than a few leaves, you may need to use a fungicide to get rid of it. There are several fungicides on the market that are effective in treating rust on tomato plants. Look for a product that specifically targets rust, and follow the instructions carefully.

Improve Air Circulation

Rust thrives in humid environments, so it's important to improve air circulation around your tomato plants. Prune any nearby plants or branches that may be obstructing air flow around your tomato plants. You can also consider using a fan to improve air circulation around your plants.

Water from Below

Watering from above can cause water to splash onto the leaves of your tomato plants, which can spread rust spores. To avoid this, try watering your tomato plants from below. Place a hose or watering can at the base of the plant and let the water slowly soak into the soil.

Clean Up at the End of the Season

Once the growing season is over, it's important to clean up your garden to prevent the spread of rust spores to the following season. Remove any dead plant debris from your garden, and dispose of it properly. You can also consider applying a fungicide to the soil to kill any remaining rust spores.

Conclusion

Rust can be a frustrating problem for tomato plant growers, but with a little effort, it can be easily controlled. By following these tips, you can get rid of rust on your tomato plants and prevent it from coming back.