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Q: I have Roma and Grape tomato plants that have loads of fruit on them -- the vines are another story! They were all in good shape until a month ago, when leaves started turning yellow with black spots. I sprayed some insecticidal soap on them a few times, and cut off the bad foliage but they continued to deteriorate. Again my tomatoes are great, but the vines are nearly bare because leaves turn yellow and dry up and fall off. What causes this and what can I do in the future to prevent it? Thanks for your help.
Monica from PA
A: Monica,
From your description, it sounds like your plants could be affected by one of three common tomato blights. Septoria leaf spot (or blight) and Early Blight are the two most common, both of which tend to start after the fruit sets. The third is Late Blight, which usually only occurs after unusually cool, wet weather. These are all airborne fungal diseases that require dew or rain to infect the plants. These diseases build up rapidly in wet weather and cause dark leaf spots followed by yellowing and defoliation (leaf drop). They may also produce spots on the fruit.
You did the right thing by cutting off the affected foliage, however these blights are difficult to control once established. This fall, pull up and destroy any remaining vines. Because this fungus can over winter in the soil, rotate your tomato plantings every year (plant in the same place only once every 4 years) Mulch the base of the plants with 1-2 inches of straw, newspaper or other organic materials and water the plants from the bottom. Consider spacing the plants farther apart to increase air circulation and use a fungicide as needed.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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RE: Black Spots on Tomato Plant Leaves
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Post By martha (Guest Post)
(07/17/2008)
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ok, I have read lots of posts relating to the question here. I came to the conclusion that my problem with the tomatoes is blight. I have cut out all the leaves and stems that looked affected. We have also had a good bit of rain and cool evenings in the past week or so which didn't help the looks of the leaves! I sprayed with fungicide. I've babied them all summer and would hate to lose them now. I did quit watering from the top and getting the leaves wet. I was also watering in the evening which I now know could be the death of the tomoto plant. Now, since the bottom portion and inside growth is gone, should I wait a few days and feed them to encourage new growth? The upper half and tops of the vines look ok, just stark at the bottom. The top leaves also appear to be smaller. Should I top them? BTW...still have lots of fruit. Thanks for your reply.
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RE: Black Spots on Tomato Plant Leaves
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Post By Lori (Guest Post)
(05/03/2008)
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I have 2 topsey turvey hangers which I have Sweet Million growing upside down. 1 plant has black spots on the leaves. We did have some rainy cold weather after it being in the 70's for a week or so. My question is do I just remove the leaves that have the spots or do I do anything else?
Thanks for any help
Lori
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RE: Black Spots on Tomato Plant Leaves
It sure sounds like blight. We got it too, this year. If it's very advanced, you need to pull the plants and burn them. If it's not, spray with copper sulfate.
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