The lower foliage on my tomatoes is beginning to turn yellow and drop. The leaves have circular dark brown to black spots.

1 Answer

Answer :

A. This is Alternaria leaf spot or early blight, a common problem on tomatoes that causes defoliation usually during periods of high rainfall. Plant tomatoes on a raised bed to improve water drainage, and space them so air can move to dry the foliage and prevent diseases. Start a fungicide spray program when the fruit is set and continue at one-week intervals during the growing season until harvest. Use a fungicide such as Daconil approved for home garden use.

Related questions

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Last Answer : A. Several types of leaf spots attack tomatoes. Septoria leaf spot quite often starts at the bottom of the plant and rapidly spreads. It can be controlled with a fungicide spray. Begin the spray program early in the life of the plant.

Description : What causes large, black spots on the bottom or blossom end of my tomatoes?

Last Answer : A. Blossom-end rot is caused by improper moisture conditions. This results in a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Make sure the soil pH is above 6.0. Maintain uniform soil moisture as the fruit grows. Remove affected fruit. When possible, use calcium nitrate to fertilize the plants.

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Last Answer : A. These are root-knot nematodes. Some varieties such as Celebrity and Better Boy resist this problem. It is best to use only nematode-resistant varieties. Nematode resistance is shown by the letter N after the name; for example, Celebrity VFN.

Description : My tomato fruits have small yellow specks on the surface. When the fruit is peeled, those yellow specks form a tough spot that must be cut off before eating the tomatoes. What is wrong?

Last Answer : A. The yellow speckling is caused by injury from sucking insects such as stinkbugs or leaf-footed bugs. Early control of sucking insects that feed on the fruit is necessary to reduce the problem.

Description : We planted tomatoes in our small garden. They are loaded and are the best tomatoes we have ever had; however, there are some small holes near the stem end of the tomato. When we cut the tomato open, there is a small worm inside. What is it and what can we do?

Last Answer : A. Your fruit has been invaded by the tomato pinworm. They usually do not damage all fruit and can be controlled only by a preventive insecticide spray every 7 to 10 days. When the damage is evident, it is too late to do anything about it.

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Description : Will tomatoes become fully ripe and red if they are harvested early?

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Description : My tomatoes were healthy during the spring and early summer; yet after a rain, they wilted and died very rapidly. I found a white fungal growth at the base of the plant.

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Description : If tomatoes are picked green or before they are fully mature, how should they be handled to ensure proper ripening and full flavor?

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Description : My tomato plants wilted rapidly. When I cut the stem open, I found a brown ring around the inside.

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