What's wrong w/ my Tomato Plants?

gardenmommy_2010

12 years ago

Well, I've planted out most of my plants but have 2 that suddenly have real problems. They're two of the ones that haven't been planted yet (still in their 4" pots). I'm wondering what's wrong w/ them & if I won't be able to plant them. They've been hanging out in the garden w/ all the other tomato plants and everyone else looks great. You can see below the branches are curling under and there are spots on the leaves. Here are some pics.

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/Erica_Shearer/100_3139.jpg

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/Erica_Shearer/100_3135.jpg

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/Erica_Shearer/100_3140.jpg

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/Erica_Shearer/100_3142.jpg

What do you think?

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Comments (5)

lunita
12 years ago
After sighing in relief when I saw that the plants in question weren't potato-leafed :) I had a couple of thoughts... There's a small chance that it could be something like spotted wilt or bacterial speck, but I don't know enough to diagnose them. There's a master gardener's plant clinic at Talini's this weekend, and you could take one there to be looked at. Are there any signs of insect activity on them?

They're almost definitely rootbound (they're way too big for those pots), and that's a lot of stress on them. At the very least, I think I'd pot them up into gallon pots or larger (buckets if you've got them and enough potting soil to fill them) and keep them away from the other plants for now. If there are any aphids or other small insects around, I'd want to hit them all with insecticidal soap so that you minimize the chance of insects spreading disease.

I've had rootbound seedlings look like that and recover just fine... i have no idea what it was but they were happier when they had root space. I don't know if I recommnd that you take that risk though. I hope someone else has better advice!
homegardenpa
12 years ago
Those plants appear to be getting root bound, that would be my first guess... Also, did you get any cold weather recently? A shot of cold weather will produce a similar look.
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digdirt2
12 years ago
Heavily stressed plants - rootbound and water and nutrient deprived. Trim off all the lower 4 or 5 branches and get them planted ASAP - deeply. Bury most all of the stem up to the very top cluster of leaves. They will be fine.

Dave
gardenmommy_2010
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I was working my new overflow bed last night so I should be able to get them in the ground tonight. We were out of town so I didn't finish my overflow yet. After closer examination this morning I did find a couple of the spots were concentric w/ a halo around them but for the most part it almost looks like mold around the edges of the leaves. I'll plant them deeply tonight and take off all damaged sections. Just in case it's a disease should I also spray everyone?

Lunita - Pruden's Purple is in the main bed & looks great - almost didn't recgonize him when I returned from the trip! Yellow Brandywine is looking great as well - though I'm sure he's looking forward to his permanent home. Thanks!
gardenmommy_2010
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the advice guys! Got them planted deeply days later and they're doing well. Haven't grown much w/ our recent colder weather but no sign of disease & greener than ever!

What's wrong w/ my Tomato Plants?

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lunita

homegardenpa

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What's wrong w/ my Tomato Plants?

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lunita

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