My tomatoe plants stems are turning black?
Question:will they recover? is ther any treatment ? should the plants be composted or could this spread a proplem in the future ?can the grow bags be emptied onto the veg patch when plants are finished?
Answers:
There are a number of reasons for tomato plant stems turning black. They all are signs of diseases such as early blight (Alternaria), tomato spotted wilt virus/impatiens necrotic spot virus, or bacterial canker.
Sanitation is the best control for early blight. Remove all diseased plant tissue on the ground, as the fungus overwinters on leaf debris. Do not plant tomatoes in the same place next year. Space plants farther apart to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation. If the infestation is heavy, sulfur dust may help protect new leaves from infection.
Symptoms of tomato spotted wilt virus/impatiens necrotic spot virus begin as dark brown to purple spots on leaves. The dark areas spread to stems, forming cankers. Stem streaking also may be noticed. Wilting symptoms gradually develop as the disease spreads.The only way to manage this disease is to remove and destroy affected plants.
Bacteria canker is difficult to distinguish from other tomato diseases and may need laboratory confirmation. If identified, destroy the plants. Do not compost plant material. Do not plant tomatoes, potatoes or eggplant in the same soil for two to three years.
This is the fungal disease called Blight. It is transmitted from the potatoes to the tomatoes. If your tomato is a blight tolerant variety, then you are lucky. Your plant will recover and continue to produce good healthy crop of fruit. If this is just a purchased plant, it is likely to be susceptible to blight. That normally means the end of the plants. The blight spreads throughout the plant and the fruits turn brown and slimy. Do not put these diseased plants on the compost heap. This will spread it to all parts of the garden next season. Check this link for tips:
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/latebl...
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