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Diagnosing Tomato Stem Disorders and Fusarium Wilt

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Yellowing lower leaves and dark stem patches in wet, humid conditions typically indicate waterlogged roots and nutrient leaching—not necessarily fusarium wilt. Clay soils exacerbate drainage issues.

Immediate Actions

Improve drainage with organic matter amendments
Monitor — conditions often improve with drier weather
Compare symptoms to Texas A&M's tomato disorder gallery (link provided)

If Fusarium Wilt Is Confirmed

Soil-borne, persists 2-3 years
Remove/destroy infected plants (don't compost)
Solarize soil with black plastic 2-3 months
Rotate nightshades on 3-year cycle
Plant only resistant hybrids (VFFNTA codes)

Container Management

Diseases don't spread between isolated containers. Dispose of infected soil, sterilize pots with bleach solution, use fresh mix. Unaffected peppers, basil, and flowers are safe — fusarium only affects nightshades.

Growing Vegetables: Troubleshooting Exotic Angel Plants from Home Depot; Diagnosing Yellowing Tomato Plants and Potato Leaf Dieback; Growing Better Tomatoes: Soil Prep, pH, and Raised Beds; Fixing Leaf Curl on Young Tomato Plants; Late Blight Resistance and Seed Starting Success; Yellow Leaves on Container Tomatoes: Watering and Fertilizing Fixes; Drooping Container Tomatoes: Rootbound and Water Fixes; Tomato Garden Care: Watering, Staking & Early Season Protection; Growing Tomatoes: America's Favorite Garden Vegetable; Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes: From Seed to Harvest

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