Let’s see together how to immediately recognize the fungal disease of tomato. Here is the way to prevent it and prevent it from spreading: these are the signs.
As we embrace the ideal season for cultivating our cherished tomatoes, the backbone of Mediterranean cuisine, it’s essential to recognize the vulnerability of these delicate fruits to external threats. Amidst the myriad tomato varieties available, growing tomatoes demands careful attention and precautions to ensure a satisfying outcome.
In addition to focusing on plant nutrition and irrigation, we must guard against diseases that certain fungi can introduce to our garden. While these diseases aren’t harmful to humans, they can jeopardize the integrity of our tomatoes. Let’s delve into how to preemptively protect against and identify fungal diseases.
Fungal Disease in Tomatoes: Downy Mildew
Certain fungal diseases pose a severe threat to our entire garden, and one of the most notorious among them is downy mildew, also known as tomato late blight. This disease, caused by the Phytophthora infestans fungus, can wreak havoc on tomato plantings, especially during the seedling stage, necessitating early prevention and protection measures.
To recognize the symptoms of tomato blight, regular inspections of the crops are crucial, with a focus on proactive protective measures. Prevention involves a comprehensive set of actions taken regularly to curb the occurrence and spread of the disease. Phytophthora infestans, the pseudofungus responsible for this disease, can inflict damage on all parts of the plants.
Signs of Danger for Tomatoes
The disease thrives in extremely humid climates, with symptoms manifesting when the plants are exposed to temperatures ranging from 18 to 21 degrees Celsius and a high relative humidity of 60-90%. Initial signs include light green or whitish spots on the leaves, primarily at the tips. As unfavorable weather conditions persist, these spots expand to cover the entire leaf mass.
Elliptical spots appear on the stem, changing from a bright initial state to a darker hue. These spots take on a ring-shaped pattern, blocking nutrient flow and leading to eventual drying out of the plants. Dark spots on the fruits contribute to rotting and decay of both the fruit and the plant. Downy mildew poses a threat throughout all vegetation periods, emphasizing the need for proactive plant protection, especially before extended rainy periods. The disease thrives when there is high evaporation of moisture from the soil.