What Does Tomato Plant Blight Look Like?

Tomato plant blight is a common problem that affects tomato plants, especially in humid and wet conditions. It is caused by different types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist environments. Once infected, tomato plants will show different symptoms depending on the type of fungal disease. In this article, we will discuss the different types of tomato plant blight and what they look like.

Early Blight

Early blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani and is one of the most common tomato plant diseases. It usually appears on the lower leaves of the plant as small, dark spots with concentric rings. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and turn into dry, brown lesions that might have yellow halos. Infected leaves turn yellow and eventually die. Early blight can also affect the fruit, causing dark spots with concentric rings that can rot the fruit.

Late Blight

Late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans and is a serious problem for tomato plants. It usually appears on the upper leaves of the plant as water-soaked spots that turn brown and necrotic as they dry. The spots can rapidly enlarge and cover the entire leaf, causing it to wilt and die. The undersides of the leaves might have a white, fuzzy growth that contains the spores of the fungus. Late blight can also affect the fruit, causing brown lesions that are surrounded by a green halo.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and is a soil-borne disease that affects many crops, including tomatoes. It usually affects the lower leaves of the plant first, causing them to yellow and wilt. As the disease progresses, it moves up the stem, causing the leaves to turn brown and die. Infected plants might have stunted growth and a yellowing of the leaves. The fungus can survive in the soil for many years, and infected plants should not be replanted in the same area.

Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium wilt is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae and is another soil-borne disease that affects tomatoes. The symptoms are similar to Fusarium wilt, but the leaves might have a V-shaped yellowing that starts at the tip and progresses to the base. The fungus can survive in the soil for many years, and infected plants should not be replanted in the same area. Crop rotation and soil fumigation can help control the disease.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by a group of fungi that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It usually appears on the upper and lower leaves of the plant as a white or gray powdery growth. As the disease progresses, the leaves can turn yellow and dry, and the plant might have stunted growth. Powdery mildew can also affect the fruit, causing it to turn brown and crack. Good air circulation and removing infected leaves can help control the disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tomato plant blight can have different symptoms depending on the type of fungal disease. Early blight, late blight, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew are some of the most common tomato plant diseases. Knowing what tomato plant blight looks like is important for early detection and treatment. Preventive measures such as crop rotation, good air circulation, and proper watering can help reduce the risk of tomato plant blight.