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DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS Late blight is a fungus that occurs not only on tomatoes, but on potatoes, peppers and eggplants as well. The first symptoms are brown or black lesions on stems and blotches on leaves. A grey fuzzy mold then develops. Fruit may develop a brown or black leathery rot, then become soft and mushy. Late blight spreads in cool, wet or humid weather. The spores can move in wind-blown rain, in ground water, runoff or in water splashed from plant to plant in the garden.
This disease has only become a problem in the Interior in the past few years, but it is escalating. PREVENTION - Grow tomatoes in a warm, dry sunny area. Water the soil, do not apply water to leaves or fruit.
- Remove any diseased foliage at the end of the growing season to prevent disease from carrying over.
- Immediately remove diseased leaves or shoots. Do not compost them.
- Destroy any volunteer tomato or potato plants in the garden.
CONTROL Apply copper spray at label rates after planting and before the disease occurs.
Product Highlight
Later's Copper Spray
Later's Copper Spray is concentrated and when mixed with water will provide good control. Thorough coverage of all plant parts is essential.
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