Does Blight Effect Every Tomato on the Plant?

Blight is a common disease that affects tomato plants worldwide. It is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora infestans, which thrives in wet and humid conditions. When blight takes hold of a tomato plant, the leaves, stems, and fruits all become infected, resulting in wilted leaves, brown spots on the stems, and blackened or sunken areas on the fruit.

Since blight can spread rapidly, many gardeners wonder if it affects every tomato on the plant, or if some fruits can escape infection. The answer, unfortunately, is that blight can indeed affect every tomato on the plant, and even spread to the plants nearby if not properly managed.

How Does Blight Spread?

There are two types of blight that can affect tomatoes: early blight and late blight. Early blight attacks the lower leaves of the plant first, while late blight affects the upper parts of the plant, including the fruits. Both types of blight can quickly spread from the infected leaves to other parts of the plant, including the fruit.

Blight spores can be carried by wind, rain, or even small insects. Once the spores land on a new tomato plant or fruit, they can germinate and take hold within a matter of days. This is why it's so important to catch blight early and take steps to prevent its spread.

Can Any Tomatoes Escape Blight?

Unfortunately, no tomato is immune to blight. While some varieties may be more resistant than others, all tomatoes are susceptible to the disease if conditions are right. This means that even if you have a few fruits that appear to be healthy, they could still become infected if blight spores are present.

It's also important to note that blight can affect other plants in the same family as tomatoes, including potatoes and peppers. If you have these plants growing near your tomatoes, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of blight in them as well.

How to Manage Blight in Your Garden

If you notice signs of blight on your tomato plants, it's important to act fast to prevent its spread. Here are some steps you can take:

Remove any infected leaves, stems, or fruits from the plant immediately. Don't let them sit on the ground, as this can increase the spread of the disease.

Avoid watering the plant from above. Instead, use a drip system or water the base of the plant. This will help keep the leaves and fruit dry, which can reduce the spread of blight.

Spray the plant with a fungicide that is labeled for use on tomatoes. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves and clothing. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days for best results.

Consider using a trellis to keep the plants off the ground. This can help improve air circulation around the plant, which can reduce the likelihood of blight taking hold.

Rotate your crops. Blight spores can survive in the soil for several years, so avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot every year.

By taking these steps, you can help manage blight in your garden and reduce its impact on your tomato plants. While you may not be able to prevent every tomato from being infected, you can limit the spread of the disease and ensure that you have a healthy and productive harvest.