Tomato blight is a common fungal disease that can cause a great deal of damage to tomato plants. It is caused by a variety of fungi, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Phytophthora. Tomato blight can cause leaves to turn yellow, spots to form on the fruit, and the plant to die. If left untreated, it can quickly spread to other plants in the garden.
Fortunately, there are some signs that can help you identify tomato blight before it spreads too far. Here are the top signs of tomato blight to look out for:
1. Yellow Leaves: One of the earliest signs of tomato blight is yellowing of the leaves. This usually starts at the lower leaves and then spreads to the upper leaves. The yellowing is usually accompanied by dark spots or lesions.
2. Wilting Leaves: Another sign of tomato blight is wilting of the leaves. This usually occurs when the fungus has spread to the stem of the plant. The leaves will start to droop and curl up, and eventually die.
3. Brown Spots on Fruit: Brown spots on the fruit are another common sign of tomato blight. These spots are usually circular and dark brown in color. They can appear anywhere on the fruit, and they may be accompanied by white spots.
4. Blossoms Falling Off: Blossoms that fall off the plant before they open are also a sign of tomato blight. This is usually caused by the fungus attacking the buds, preventing them from opening.
5. Stems Rotting: Stems that are soft and rotting are another sign of tomato blight. This is usually caused by the fungus entering the stem and causing it to rot from the inside.
If you notice any of these signs of tomato blight, it’s important to take action quickly. Remove any affected plants from the garden, and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Make sure to clean your tools and hands after handling the affected plants, as the fungus can spread easily. You should also consider applying a fungicide to the remaining plants in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
By being aware of the signs of tomato blight, you can take action quickly and prevent the fungus from spreading. This will help to protect the rest of your garden from the devastating effects of this disease.
