What Does Tomato Plant Fungus Look Like?

Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that is widely loved all over the world. They are easy to grow, with only a few requirements: bright sunlight, adequate water and nutrient-rich soil. However, they are also prone to fungal infections. As a tomato plant owner, you should have a basic understanding of tomato plant diseases, including fungus, especially how they look like. This article will provide you with an insight into the appearance of the tomato plant fungus.

The Common Types of Fungal Infections in Tomato Plants

There are several types of fungus that can affect tomato plants, including early blight, late blight, septoria leaf spot, and verticillum wilt, among others. Each type of fungus has its unique appearance and symptom:

Early Blight

Early blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani and typically begins as small, circular, brown spots with dark concentric rings on the leaves of the plant. The spots increase in number and size, eventually causing the leaves to die and fall off.

Late Blight

Phytophthora infestans is the fungus responsible for late blight. This disease often starts at the base of the plant and progresses upwards, causing brown or black lesions on the leaves and stems. The infection can quickly spread to the tomato fruit, causing it to rot and decay.

Septoria Leaf Spot

The fungus Septoria lycopersici causes septoria leaf spot. It appears as small, circular lesions with dark brown borders and grayish centres on the lower leaves of the plant, which lookout faded when compared to the healthy parts of the plant.

Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium wilt is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. It causes leaves to turn yellow and wilt, typically initially affecting one branch of the plant before spreading to others. The fungus blocks the flow of nutrients and water in the plant, and eventually, it causes the plant to die.

How to Identify Tomato Plant Fungus

Identifying tomato plant fungus is important because it helps you prevent the spread of disease to other plants in your garden. It's also essential for a proactive approach to treatment.

One of the most common signs of tomato plant fungus is wilting of leaves, yellowing and patch of necrosis on leaves. Fungi on the leaves appear as small, round spots with distinct rings or borders, giving them an angular appearance. Further observation of the spots may show that they're dusty or powdery, caused by the fungus spores.

Late-stage diseases can change the color and overall appearance of the plants. In some cases, the plants will have no leaves left on them, while in others, the leaves will become brownish and misshapen.

Final Thoughts

Tomato plant fungi can have a devastating impact on your crop if left unchecked. Early identification of the symptoms is crucial for the successful control and prevention of the disease. In addition to visually inspecting your plants, make sure you are always following good gardening practices, such as regular pruning and proper watering to ensure healthy growth, making it more disease-resistant. Lastly, if the disease begins to spread rapidly, don't hesitate to remove the plant to stop the spread of the disease to other plants.