What to Do for Rust on Tomato Plants

If you grow tomato plants in your garden, you might be familiar with rust. It's a common fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of tomato plants, as well as other members of the nightshade family. Rust can be frustrating to deal with, but there are steps you can take to prevent it and control its spread.

Identifying Tomato Plant Rust

The first step in dealing with tomato plant rust is identifying it. Rust appears as small, orange-brown spots on the leaves of tomato plants. These spots can quickly spread and merge, causing the leaves to yellow and eventually die. Rust can also affect the stems and fruit of tomato plants, causing them to become spotted and disfigured.

Preventing Rust on Tomato Plants

The best way to deal with tomato plant rust is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You can start by selecting rust-resistant tomato plant varieties. Look for plants that have been bred specifically to resist rust and other fungal diseases.

Another way to prevent rust is by practicing good garden hygiene. Make sure to remove any plant debris from the garden, as it can harbor fungal spores that can infect your tomato plants. Also, avoid planting tomatoes near other members of the nightshade family, such as potatoes and peppers, as they can be infected with the same fungal diseases.

Controlling Rust on Tomato Plants

If you do notice rust on your tomato plants, there are steps you can take to control its spread. Start by removing any infected leaves or stems from the plant. Be sure to dispose of them in the trash and not in the compost pile, as they can still harbor fungal spores.

You can also apply a fungicide to the tomato plant to help control the rust. Look for a fungicide that is labeled for use on tomato plants and rust specifically. Follow the instructions on the fungicide carefully, as some types need to be applied at certain times of the day or in specific weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Rust can be a frustrating problem for tomato plant growers, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. With a little prevention and some control measures, you should be able to keep your tomato plants healthy and free from rust. Remember to always practice good garden hygiene and choose rust-resistant varieties when possible.