How to Treat Tomato Plant Fungus

Practice good cultivation techniques to reduce the risk of fungal infection.

Gardeners who live in humid areas often encounter fungus infestations and know how to recognize them. However, if you are uncertain about what is ailing your tomato plants, ask a more experienced gardener to take a look. Some of the symptoms of fungal infection are wilting, yellowing or spotted leaves and fruit that has dark, pepper-like spots. Treat tomato fungal infections quickly to save your juicy harvest.

Things You'll Need

• Fungicide spray

Instructions

1. Apply a topical, spray-on fungicide according to the manufacturer's directions at the first sign of fungus infestation. Apply a topical fungicide as a preventative measure before signs of infestation are evident.

2. Spray a complete coating of fungicide on all the leaves and stems of the tomato plant, including the undersides of leaves. Fungicides work by creating a protective barrier against infectious pathogens. Any portion of the plant that is left untreated will be susceptible to infection.

3. Reapply the fungicide as often as the manufacturer recommends, typically every seven to 14 days. Heavy rainfall can wash away fungicide and may result in the need to reapply sooner. Pay special attention to new growth during subsequent applications. Remember, each leaf that appears between applications is completely vulnerable to fungal infestation.

References

• Ohio State University: Using Fungicide Sprays Effectively
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Tomato Disease Identification