What Does Blight on Tomato Plants Look Like

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables (or fruits, depending on who you ask) to grow at home. They are easy to cultivate and provide a bountiful harvest. However, like any other plant, tomatoes are susceptible to diseases. One of the most common tomato diseases is blight, which can severely damage or even kill the plant. In this article, we will describe what blight on tomato plants looks like, so you can recognize it and take action to prevent it from taking over your tomato plants.

Early Blight

Early blight is one of the two types of blight that can affect tomato plants. It is caused by a fungus called Alternaria solani, and it usually appears in mid-to-late summer. Early blight appears as brown or black spots on the lower leaves of the plant, which eventually spread to the upper leaves. The spots on the leaves often have a bullseye-like pattern, with a lighter center surrounded by a darker ring. As the disease progresses, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. If left untreated, early blight can affect the entire plant, causing it to wither and die.

Late Blight

Late blight is the other type of blight that affects tomato plants. It is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora infestans, which is the same fungus that caused the Irish potato famine. Late blight can appear at any time during the growing season and is more common in wet and humid conditions. Late blight appears as dark, watery-looking spots on the leaves, which quickly turn brown and spread to the stems and fruits. The affected areas often have a fuzzy, grayish-white appearance. Like early blight, late blight can cause the entire plant to die if not treated promptly.

Preventing and Treating Blight

The best way to prevent blight on tomato plants is to practice good cultural practices. Make sure your plants are properly spaced to allow for good airflow and sunlight. Water at the base of the plants and avoid getting the leaves wet, as moisture can encourage fungal growth. Use mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the spread of fungal spores. Disinfect your gardening tools regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

If you do notice signs of blight on your tomato plants, it is important to act quickly. Remove any infected leaves and destroy them, either by burning or throwing them away. Do not compost infected plant material, as the spores can survive and spread. You can also treat blight with fungicides, but it is important to choose a product labeled for use on tomatoes and to follow the instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Blight is a common disease that can affect tomato plants, but with proper prevention and treatment, it can be managed. Knowing what blight on tomato plants looks like is the first step in preventing the disease from taking over your garden. Remember to practice good cultural practices, keep your plants healthy, and act quickly if you notice signs of blight. Happy gardening!