Early Blight (Alternaria solani):
Symptoms: Early blight is characterized by dark, concentric rings on the lower leaves, which eventually spread and cause wilting.
Prevention and Management: To prevent early blight, practice crop rotation, provide adequate spacing between plants for air circulation, and use mulch to prevent soil splash. Fungicides may be applied preventively or at the first sign of symptoms.
Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans):
Symptoms: Late blight presents as dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, often leading to rapid plant death.
Prevention and Management: Keep the foliage dry by watering at the base of the plant. Apply copper-based fungicides early in the season and use resistant tomato varieties.
Blossom End Rot:
Symptoms: Blossom end rot causes dark, leathery spots at the bottom of the tomato fruit.
Prevention and Management: Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoid over-fertilization (especially with excessive nitrogen), and ensure proper calcium levels in the soil.
Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum):
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of leaves, often starting on one side of the plant, characterize Fusarium wilt.
Prevention and Management: Plant resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid overwatering. Unfortunately, there is no cure once a plant is infected.
Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium spp.):
Symptoms: Similar to Fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt causes wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant.
Prevention and Management: Employ the same preventive measures as Fusarium wilt. Resistant varieties are also available.
Tomato Mosaic Virus:
Symptoms: Mottled leaves, stunted growth, and distorted fruits are common signs of tomato mosaic virus.
Prevention and Management: Control aphids, which can transmit the virus, and promptly remove and destroy infected plants. Plant resistant varieties.
Septoria Leaf Spot (Septoria lycopersici):
Symptoms: Small, dark spots with yellow halos on lower leaves are characteristic of Septoria leaf spot.
Prevention and Management: Apply fungicides, practice crop rotation, and ensure good air circulation to keep foliage dry.