Introduction

Tomatoes are loved by many. They are juicy, tasty and are an important ingredient in many dishes. However, one of the most common issues that tomato growers face is yellowing of the leaves. In this article, we will explore the reasons why tomato plant leaves turn yellow at the bottom.

Nutrient Deficiency

One of the most common reasons why tomato plant leaves turn yellow at the bottom is due to a lack of nutrients. This may include a deficiency of nitrogen, magnesium, iron, or potassium. Nitrogen is essential to encourage leafy growth and if the plant doesn't receive enough of it, the leaves will start to turn yellow. Similarly, magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in chlorophyll production, and its deficiency can result in yellowing leaves.

Overwatering or Underwatering

Watering plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the tomato plant. Overwatering or underwatering your plant can cause the leaves to turn yellow at the bottom. Overwatering causes the roots to rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients, causing yellowing leaves. On the other hand, if the plant is not receiving enough water, the leaves will turn yellow and wilt.

Temperature

Another factor that can affect the health of a tomato plant is temperature. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, it can cause yellowing of the leaves. If the temperature is below 60°F, the nutrients in the soil will not be absorbed effectively, causing yellow leaves. Similarly, if it is too hot, the plant will transpire excessively, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.

Disease and Pests

A variety of diseases and pests can also cause yellowing of the leaves in tomato plants. For example, a disease caused by a fungus called Fusarium can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. Similarly, pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can cause yellowing of the leaves by sucking the sap out of them. In severe cases, the leaves may become too weak to support the plant, leading to plant death.

Conclusion

Yellowing of tomato plant leaves is a common problem faced by many gardeners. In this article, we have discussed some of the common reasons behind the yellowing of leaves at the bottom. Regular monitoring of the plant, sufficient watering and proper fertilization are some of the measures that can help reduce the risk of leaf yellowing.