How to Prevent Late Blight From Decimating Your Tomato Plants
Phytophthora infestans, commonly known as late blight, effects both potatoes and tomatoes and quickly decimates the entire crop. Phytophthora means "plant destroyer" in Latin, and this plant disease typically lives up to its name. Once plant tissue is infected, anything growing above than point is killed. In tomatoes this means late blight in the stems spells the end to the fruit. New plants become infected within six to seven days as the spores become airborne and can travel for miles under rainy or overcast conditions. The key to protecting your tomatoes from late blight is prevention. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant blight-resistant varieties of tomatoes. Plum Regal, Mountain Magic, Matt's Sungold and Sun Gold Cherry are good choices, according to Cornell University Extension. Check the plant description for other tomatoes bred to resist late blight.
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Purchase seedlings from reputable sources or start your own in sterilized soil. Avoid buying tomato plants from greenhouses or garden supply centers where late blight occurred in prior years.
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Pull and destroy any rogue tomato plants that spring up in your garden. These plants may harbor disease and may infect your entire crop if allowed to grow freely.
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Plant tomato plants to the recommended spacing and do not overcrowd them. Overcrowding weakens plants and increases the likelihood of disease. Decreased air circulation and wet, humid conditions set the stage for late blight, and closely planted tomatoes encourage both.
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Keep you garden free of weeds as some weeds harbor late blight. Pull weeds when they first emerge. Some gardeners prefer to mulch tomatoes with black plastic or newspapers to suppress weeds.
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Monitor reports from your local extension services or the news for the presence of late blight in your area. Reports of confirmed cases are shared to alert you to the possibility of late blight in your area. Once blight sets in, it travels quickly from garden to garden via airborne spores.
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Apply a fungicide to your tomatoes if you suspect your plants are at risk for late blight. Follow the instruction on the container and apply regularly to prevent late blight. Contact your local extension office for recommendations of appropriate fungicides for your area.
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Destroy any infected plant material once late blight is confirmed. Cut the foliage from the plant and pull the stem up from the roots. Place in a garbage bag and seal tightly. Dispose of infected plants away from the garden to prevent the spread of late blight.
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Tips & Warnings
Notify neighbors if you suspect late blight on your tomatoes as it can quickly spread to their garden.
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