Identifying and Managing Tomato Stem Rot: Blight, Wilt, and Fungicide Treatment

Introduction

Tomato stems rotting above soil line with yellowing leaves and fruit drop signal serious fungal disease.

Three Likely Fungal Diseases

• Late blight
• Verticillium wilt
• Fusarium wilt

Copper Fungicide Treatment

Spray copper-based fungicide (available at garden centers) to potentially halt spread. Success depends on infection stage.

Soil Disposal and Pot Sanitization

Discard all potting soil—do not compost. Wash pots with 1 gallon water + 3 tbsp bleach if reusing.

Disease-Resistant Varieties

Choose hybrids with resistance (e.g., Park Seed tomato varieties).

Conclusion

Act fast with copper fungicide, discard infected soil, and plant resistant varieties next year.