Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
When you see white spots on tomato leaves, it means that the plant is suffering from some kind of fungal disease. This is because the plant has not been exposed to adequate sunlight and air. Once the disease starts to develop, the leaves will wither and eventually fall off. The disease also affects the tomato's flavor and yield. There are several ways of treating powdery mildew.
Tomato plants need to be able to get sufficient sunlight, especially when it is hot outside. Too much direct sun can burn the plant. If the sun is too harsh, the leaves can wither and turn yellow. In addition, the leaves can curl up and eventually fall off. Therefore, the best way to protect the plant from getting too much sun is by using a shade.
Another way to prevent the spread of powdery mildew is to use a fungicide. You can use a sulfur-based fungicide, such as Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide, to kill the fungi. These fungicides should be applied to all plants once or twice a week.
The fungi that cause powdery mildew prefer to be in dark, moist places. The fungi can also be brought by wind. They need to have a live host to reproduce. To combat this, spray the affected plant with neem oil or sulfur.
Aside from sun and air, another thing that can lead to white spots on tomato leaves is overwatering. This can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. For this reason, it is recommended to water your tomato plant once every two weeks. It is best to choose a nutrient-rich fertilizer that will provide your plant with the nutrients it needs. Using a fertilizer with a nitrogen and phosphorus base is better than using one with a calcium and magnesium base.
White spots on tomato leaves may also be caused by insect infestation. Some common garden pests that can cause the disease are stink bugs and spider mites. The fungus Passalora fulva is also known to spread. With this disease, the spores can infect the fruit of your tomatoes.
Other fungal diseases that can cause white spots on tomato leaves are late blight and Septoria leaf spot. Both can be prevented by sanitizing your tools. Also, if you have problems with these diseases, try to use a variety of hardy varieties that have a low incidence of the disease.
White spots on tomato leaves can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency. Tomatoes need enough potassium and nitrogen to keep their veins green. Supplements such as kelp and Epsom salt are great sources of these essential minerals. Similarly, you can also add powdered lime to the soil.
The fungi that cause powdery leaves are also known to be transported by wind. Therefore, it is advisable to dispose the plant of the affected leaves far away from healthy plants. Powdery mildew can weaken the leaves and even the entire plant.
White spots on tomato leaves can be controlled by proper pruning. Pruning removes the leaves that are damaged, and prevents a fungus from spreading. However, it is important to avoid removing more than a third of the leaves at once. Otherwise, you could stress the plant and lead to more serious problems.
