Tomato blight is a disease that mostly affects tomato plants and is known to be destructive. It causes the leaves of tomato plants to turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. Tomato blight can be broken down into two primary categories: early blight and late blight.
Each of these categories is caused by a distinct fungal infection. Take a closer look at the factors that lead to tomato blight, as well as the steps you can take to protect your plants from succumbing to it.
Choose Resistant Varieties
One of the best ways to protect your tomatoes is to plant types that do not get early or late blight. On the labels or explanations, look for words that say “disease resistance.”
Rotate Crops
Do not plant tomatoes or crops that grow well with tomatoes, like peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, in the same spot every year. Rotate your crops so that mold spores do not build up in the soil.
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Provide Adequate Spacing
Plant your tomato plants far enough apart so that air can flow freely between them. This helps the leaves dry quickly after it rains or dews, which lowers the risk of fungal infections.
Water at the Base
Water tomato plants at the base with a soaker hose or drip watering. Make sure the leaves stay dry. Watering from above can help mold spores spread.
Mulch Your Plants
Soil splashing can move fungus spores from the ground to the lower leaves. Mulching can help stop this from happening. Organic mulches, like compost or straw, also help keep the soil wet.
Prune Lower Leaves
Take off the bottom leaves of tomato plants when they start to fruit. This helps keep soil-borne mold spores from getting to the leaves.
Maintain Garden Cleanliness
At the end of the season, get rid of and destroy any sick plant matter to keep fungal spores from staying around all winter. Do not compost plant matter that is sick.
Monitor and Act Quickly
Check your plants often for signs of blight. Finding and getting rid of sick leaves as soon as possible can help stop the disease from spreading.
Conclusion
You can keep your tomato plants healthy and producing tomatoes all through the growing season if you know what causes tomato blight and take these steps to stop it.