Typical diseases of tomato crops

Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Some of the most common diseases that affect tomato crops include:

1. Early Blight: A fungal disease that starts with the yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves, which develop dark spots with concentric rings that gradually enlarge and merge. It can cause significant yield loss.

2. Late Blight: Another fungal disease that causes large, irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. The affected tissue appears water-soaked and turns dark brown. This disease can cause complete crop loss if not controlled.

3. Verticillium Wilt: A fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the plant, causing leaves to wilt and yellow, followed by plant death. The fungus can persist in the soil for several years.

4. Fusarium Wilt: Another fungal disease that affects the vascular system, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The fungus can persist in the soil for several years, making crop rotation necessary.

5. Bacterial Spot: A bacterial disease that causes small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. The lesions can merge to form large necrotic areas, leading to significant yield loss.

6. Tomato Mosaic Virus: A viral disease that causes mottled, yellowish-green leaves with distorted growth. The virus can persist in the soil for several years, making crop rotation necessary.

7. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus: A viral disease that causes yellowing and upward curling of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. It is spread by whiteflies.

Prevention and management of these diseases involve cultural practices such as crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of disease-resistant cultivars. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to control some diseases, but their efficacy may vary. We recommend the use of our post harvest solution Aloecoat. More information on Aloecoat here.