Tomato Disease Control: Prevention & Organic Management

Best control is prevention. Common issues and responses:

Blossom End Rot

Leathery, sunken bottom. Calcium deficiency from irregular water. Fix: consistent water, mulch, lime around plants.

Blight

Water-soaked/greasy spots on green fruit. Cool, wet weather. Remove/destroy affected. Rotate crops. Copper spray if severe.

Black Mold

On ripe fruit. Stake plants, water at base only, keep leaves dry. Fungicide if needed.

Cankers

Stem lesions from injury. Careful watering, remove/destroy infected (no compost).

Wilts (Spotted, Verticillium, Fusarium)

Viral/fungal. Remove/destroy plants. Rotate nightshades (tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato) 2+ years. Basil repels thrips (spotted wilt vector).

Core Practices

• Start with healthy hybrids.
• Rotate families.
• Water evenly at base.
• Stake well, mulch organically.
• Promote drainage.

Healthy plants resist disease. Observe daily.