Tomato Pests And Diseases

There are many pests and diseases that affect tomatoes and many of them can be avoided by careful attention to the way in which the plants are grown and tended. Different problems can occur which are dependent on where they are grown either in the garden in a grow-bag, in a pot or in a greenhouse. The major potential problems are: -

Aphids are often prevalent on the stems or under the tomato leaves, ladybirds are good for removing them and you can get ladybirds to release in the area. If not pinch out the worst infected area and get rid of the worst by use a soapy water solution.

Whitefly can be so prevalent that when the tomato plant is shaken then there are clouds of white that come off. Unfortunately most of the insecticides are useless as they have become resistant to them and the simplest method is to wash them off with water in a strong spray. Ladybirds love them and if you can get them release them. Sticky traps can help reduce numbers and organic oils will help. The main thing is to reduce the numbers to a level where nature will control it.

Blossom end rot is where the flower end of the tomato rots and is caused by erratic watering with the plant drying out and then watered instead of a continual moist ground. It is from a calcium deficiency, which is usually related to watering and can be helped by feeding and mulching the plant to keep it always moist. Once you have it in a tomato it is not possible to save it.

Red Spider Mites are a severe problem and heavy infestation can destroy a crop of tomatoes and it is particularly prevalent in greenhouses. The mites lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves and the leaves dry up and die, they can be recognised by a red mottled effect. There are no insecticide cures for the problem. It can be reduced by spraying with water as the mites dislike moisture and there are some other mites that feed on them but these may be difficult to obtain.

Greenback is where the tomatoes go green and hard around the stem and is caused by a poor watering and temperature regime. It is usually caused by too high temperatures. Keep the temperature down and make sure the plant is well fed.

Split Fruit is caused generally by erratic watering particularly heavy watering after a dry period.

Tomato moth is a caterpillar, which causes a lot of damage as it eats its way through the leaves and tomatoes. Take the time and pick them off by hand.

Wilting - There are a number of wilt diseases (Fusarium and Verticillium) where the plant wilts and dies when almost at full size. Get rid of the plants and use crop rotation or grow in containers with fresh soil as it is difficult if not impossible to remove from the ground quickly.

Mosaic Virus will cause the leaves to curl and die and is difficult to remove or treat. It transfers easily by hand so get rid of it as soon as possible.

These problems can often be solved by good housekeeping to prevent them happening, correct watering, temperature control and not over planted. Consider the tomato variety that is used get resistant plants or seeds to help the problems. If planting in the ground rotate the crops, in a greenhouse use fresh soil or compost and/or make sure the soil is sterilised each winter. Following the above tips should ensure you keep free of tomato pests and diseases.

By Richard Allen -

Google