Why Do Garden Vegetables Turn Yellow & Drop Fruit?

Disease-resistant plant varieties make a healthier vegetable garden.

Yellowing leaves and dropping fruit on previously healthy garden vegetable plants can be indicative of a number of conditions and diseases, according to the University of Arizona Extension. Identifying the problem will allow you to take steps to prevent losing plants the following season.

Curable Causes

Yellow lower leaves and general wilting can be caused by dry soil or poor drainage. Correcting the problem should restore the garden vegetable plants to good health.

Viral Infections

Viruses such as the common tobacco mosaic virus are spread by insects, as well as previously infected soil and even garden tools. Remove diseased plants immediately to prevent spread and plant disease-resistant varieties of affected vegetables.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial wilt is spread by insects, especially beetles. Remove the damaged plants and treat the garden to control the insects to prevent further disease.

Fungal Disease

Verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt are common fungal diseases that cause leaves to yellow. Diseased plants cannot be saved, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension. Discard them and use plant varieties labeled VF (verticillium- and fusarium-resistant).

Nematodes

Parasitic nematodes live in garden soil and feed on the roots of vegetable plants. Infected plants cannot be treated. Remove them and replace with nematode-resistant varieties.

References

• Texas A&M Extension: Tomato, Part 1
• Alabama Cooperative Extension: Plant Disease Notes

Resources

• University of Tennessee Extension: Disease Control in the Home Vegetable Garden