Fungicides for Tomato Plants
Several diseases, such as leaf spot, blossom end rot and early blight, can affect the home gardener's tomato patch. Controlling weeds and pests are the first steps toward avoiding disease in their tomatoes, but even the most diligent of gardeners will sometimes have to deal with fungus attacking their plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Leaf Spot/Multipurpose Fungicide
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Spray foliage and stalks of your tomato plants with a multipurpose fungicide (chlorathalonil fungicide). Apply the fungicide when fruit begins to bud, as leaf spot spreads rapidly. Continue to spray up until the time of harvest, every seven to 10 days. Identify leaf spot by grayish circular lesions ringed with a darker brown color. Remove all heavily infected lower leaves of the plant, as they will quickly spread the infection to other plants. Manage this disease by using a soaker hose rather than overhead watering methods. This will help to prevent further infection.
Anthracnose/Multipurpose Fungicide/Baking Soda Spray
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Identify Anthracnose by looking for black spots on very ripe tomatoes. This is where the disease is most often found. Treat this disease with chlorothalonal every seven to 10 days for maximum results. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2-1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil with 1 gallon of water. Shake the mixture well. Add half a teaspoon of Castile soap and shake again. Hose down the affected plants before spraying with this solution. Spray and repeat every five to seven days. This solution can be used on all plants and flowers as a general-purpose antifungal spray.
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Canker
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Look for stunted growth in young tomato plants as a first sign of canker. Wilting, curling of leaflets and leaves turning brown are other symptoms to look out for. Keep a vigilant watch over your tomatoes, as canker can strike at any time in this stage of the plant's life. The University of North Carolina suggests a copper-based fungicide to control and kill canker. Their experts advise "spraying on a per-volume basis," so it's best to follow the instructions on the fungicide's label.
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- Photo Credit Face of tomatoes and parsley image by Solma from Fotolia.com
