Tomato Disease Prevention

Many fungal and bacterial diseases affect tomato leaves. Early identification enables intervention before crop damage occurs.

Common Diseases

Early Blight - Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves; works upward.

Late Blight - Water-soaked spots with white mold on leaf undersides; rapidly spreads.

Septoria Leaf Spot - Small circular spots with gray centers and dark borders.

Powdery Mildew - White powdery coating on leaves; rarely serious on tomatoes.

Fusarium Wilt - Yellowing starting on one side; leaves curl; plant wilts.

Intervention Strategies

Remove Affected Leaves - Remove diseased foliage immediately to prevent spread.

Improve Air Circulation - Prune lower branches; space plants adequately.

Mulch Properly - Keep soil from splashing on leaves (disease source).

Water At Base - Never wet foliage; water early in day at soil level.

Fungal Spray - Use neem oil, sulfur, or copper spray for established diseases.

Resistant Varieties

Choose disease-resistant varieties (look for letters like EB or LB on labels indicating resistance). This prevents problems rather than treating them.