How to Tell if Tomato Plants Have Disease

Tomato plants are one of the most widely grown garden vegetables. However, they are prone to a variety of diseases that can quickly kill the plant and ruin an entire crop if left untreated. In order to ensure a healthy, productive garden, it is important to know how to identify common tomato plant diseases. Below are some indicators that your tomato plants may be diseased.

Yellowing Leaves

One of the most common symptoms of a diseased tomato plant is yellowing leaves. If the lower leaves of your plant begin to yellow, curl, and die, this could be an indicator of a number of different diseases, including fusarium wilt, bacterial canker, or verticillium wilt. These diseases can also cause the stem of the plant to discolor and wilt, and may cause fruit to be smaller and less flavorful.

Spots on Leaves

If you notice spots on the leaves of your tomato plant, this could be a sign of late blight. This is a fungal disease that can quickly spread to other plants in the garden if left untreated. Late blight can cause entire leaves to turn brown or black, and the fruit may have brown spots or sunken lesions.

Moldy Fruit

If you notice mold on your tomato fruit, this could be an indicator of blossom end rot. This disease is caused by a calcium deficiency in the soil, and can lead to the fruit becoming discolored, misshapen, and sunken. It is important to ensure that your tomato plants are receiving enough calcium and that the soil pH is within the appropriate range to prevent this disease.

Stunted Growth

If your tomato plants are growing slowly or stunted, this may be caused by a number of different diseases, including root rot or damping off. These diseases are caused by fungal organisms that thrive in moist, poorly draining soil. In order to prevent these diseases from taking hold, ensure that your tomato plants are receiving adequate water and nutrients, and avoid planting in soils that are constantly wet or poorly drained.

Conclusion

Preventing and treating tomato plant diseases is essential in order to ensure a productive garden. By keeping an eye out for common symptoms of disease, such as yellowing leaves, spots on leaves, moldy fruit, and stunted growth, it is possible to catch and treat issues early on, before they spread to other plants. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a healthy and bountiful tomato crop.