What to do with Late Blight Tomato Plants

Late blight is a devastating disease that can decimate an entire tomato crop in just a few days. If you've noticed the tell-tale signs of late blight in your tomato plants, it's important to take action right away to try and save your crop. Here are some steps you can take to manage late blight in your tomato plants.

1. Remove Infected Leaves and Fruits

The first step in managing late blight is to remove any infected leaves or fruits as soon as you notice them. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to healthy parts of the plant. Make sure to dispose of infected leaves and fruits in a sealed bag or container, as the spores can survive on plant debris for long periods and can easily spread to other plants.

If you have a severe case of late blight, you may need to remove the entire plant and dispose of it to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants in your garden.

2. Improve Air Circulation

Late blight thrives in warm, humid conditions, so it's important to improve air circulation around your tomato plants to help reduce moisture levels. You can do this by pruning plants to allow better air flow, planting tomatoes further apart or using trellises to keep plants upright and allow for better air movement.

3. Apply Fungicides

Fungicides can help prevent the spread of late blight in your tomato plants, but they work best when applied as a preventative measure rather than to cure an existing infection. Copper-based fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture, and fungicides containing chlorothalonil or mancozeb, are effective against late blight.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying fungicides, and to wear protective clothing and equipment to avoid exposure to the chemicals.

4. Choose Resistant Tomato Varieties

Some tomato varieties are more resistant to late blight than others. When selecting tomato varieties to plant in your garden, look for those labeled as resistant to late blight. This can help reduce the risk of infection and minimize the need for fungicide applications.

5. Practice Good Garden Hygiene

Practicing good garden hygiene can help prevent the spread of late blight in your garden. Always clean garden tools and equipment before and after use, and avoid working in your garden when foliage is wet. Rotate your crops each year to avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot, as late blight can survive in the soil for several months.

Conclusion

Late blight is a serious disease that can have a devastating impact on tomato plants. By removing infected leaves and fruits, improving air circulation, applying fungicides, choosing resistant tomato varieties, and practicing good garden hygiene, you can help manage late blight in your tomato plants and minimize the risk of infection. Remember to always follow the instructions on fungicide labels and wear protective clothing and equipment when handling chemicals.