TOMATO PESTS + DISEASES

Photo: NC State

In our previous post we talked about the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. Today we will talk about common pests and diseases and how to get rid of them.

Diseases

Bottom End Rot

Appearance: like a big bruise on the bottom; it rots on the spot where the tomato originally blossomed; yellowish-brown first, then darkens

Cause: lack of calcium absorption. Letting the soil dry out will block calcium absorption; too much fertilizer, basically overloaded the system; too much water; soil lacks calcium

Care: remove the infected fruit; not contagious and will not travel up the stem; water consistently; fertilize properly

Root rot

Appearance: yellow leaves, stunted growth, leaves fall off; roots are soft and brown

Cause: lack of drainage holes in containers; dense soil that doesn’t drain well

Care: if all the root is brown and mushy, discard the entire plant; if there are still some white roots, replant in fresh soil with good drainage. Rinse the roots and cut off the bad roots before replanting

Early blight

Appearance: small brown dots on leaves that enlarge over time (sometimes on stem); leaves around the spots turn yellow

Cause: existing contaminated soil

Care: remove infected leaves; if stem is infected, remove the entire plant

Late Blight

Appearance: dark green/purple/brownish spots on leaves and stem; underside of leaves have white powdery substance; fruit is brownish-black and firm

Cause: fungal disease living in the soil; spreads easily and fast to other fruiting veggies (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)

Care: remove infected plant; water only at the soil level; mulching may help

Wilt (Fusarium or Verticillium)

Appearance: leaves start to yellow and wilt with no spots; may see a brown streak up the main stem that leads to the leaves

Cause: lives in the soil; bag soil or previously infected plants lived in the soil

Care: remove soil and add fresh soil; allow the soil to sit for a season without being planted in; plant a disease-resistant variety

Pests

Aphids

Appearance: small, green, black, or red

Damaged caused: curling, yellowing leaves, or sticky leaves

Treatment: wipe or spray leaves with water, spray neem oil, remove with tape (wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out)

Cutworms

Appearance: brown or green caterpillars

Damage caused: cut through a seedling or young plant at the soil line, leaving the plant completely cut off from the soil

Treatment: hand pick off; make a seedling collar

Hornworms

Appearance: large green caterpillars with a horn on the end of the tail (1" - 4" long)

Damage caused: eat some or the entire plant; some older hornworms bury themselves in the soil in the cooler seasons

Treatment: heavily mulch; spinosad; sprays for caterpillars

Prevention for most of these diseases, and some pests, are to be proactive, use good soil, water consistently, and fertilize properly.

If you need more help managing pests and your garden, feel free to contact us and schedule a coaching session.

Happy growing!