Tomato leaf curlis a common problem in the cultivation of these popular vegetables, both in the ground and under cover.The causes of tomato leaf curlmay be associated with a very dangerous disease, which is bacterial cancer, but more often they result from improper plant care and fertilization errors. Find out about the most commoncauses of tomato leaves curlingand see what to do whentomato leaves are curled
Tomato leaf curl may occur at various stages of plant development - from seedling production, through flowering, to fruit ripening. It does not always have to be a symptom of a disease, so it is worth knowing the exact causes of tomato leaves curling.
Tomato leaf curl - causes in improper care and fertilization
Tomato leaf curlis most often a symptom of water deficiency, too rapid changes in temperature and air humidity, or fertilization errors. In order to identifythe causes of tomato leaf curlin our crop, it is worth learning to distinguish between the symptoms associated with each cause.
First of all, when we notice the firstsymptoms of tomato leaf curl , make sure that the plants are provided with the right growing conditions. For proper growth and fruiting, tomatoes need warmth and a well-sunny position. The optimal temperature is 28 ° C during the day and 18 ° C at night. The tomato likes it when the temperature difference between day and night is just around 10 ° C. Larger temperature fluctuations are oftenthe cause of the tomato leaves curling
You should also remember about proper irrigation of the crop, but not excessive irrigation.A very commoncause of tomato leaves curling is a long-term water shortageThat is why it is important to look after the plants every day and check the soil and air humidity. If we forget about our plants for a few days, the effect can be disastrous. The viewof curled leaves on plants and theturning brown of their edges is the last phase before irreversible wilting of the whole plant. However, it is best to water the tomatoes directly on the ground so as not to sprinkle their stems and leaves, as wetting the above-ground parts promotes the development of fungal diseases.
The best soil for tomato cultivation is light, deeply cultivated, well-drained and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 - 6.5 is ideal for tomatoes) and rich in organic ingredients. If the pH of the soil is too low, it should be limeed. Before you start growing tomatoes, you should also mix well-composted manure or compost with the soil to enrich it with organic matter. For fertilizing tomatoes during the growing season, watering with diluted nettle manure can be used (mix with water in the ratio of 1 liter of liquid manure per 10 liters of water).This natural method of fertilizing tomatoes is often praised, for example in our forum. Ready-made mineral fertilizers for vegetables can also help us.
Tomato leaves curl upwardsoccurs when there is too much sunlight and water shortage, and also when topping is performed in very sunny and hot weather.
Unfavorable climatic conditions, such as sudden temperature fluctuations during the day and night, lower than optimal air humidity, and, at the same time, excessive substrate humidity, disturbs the intake and nutrition of plants with calcium. With a high calcium deficiencytomato leaves curl and discolor(especially older leaves). Other symptoms are: the tops of the plants turn dark green and the leaves on the underside are slightly purple.The tops and edges of the leaves, including the petiole, twistand gradually die. In such a situation, it is necessary to improve the growing conditions, make sure that the tomatoes are not over-fertilized with nitrogen or phosphorus, and also apply calcium fertilizers, e.g.calcium nitrate.
Curl of tomato top leavesmay result from copper deficiency. Older apical leaves curl "tubular", and the youngest get smaller. Petioles are short and leaves are stiff. The occurrence of these symptoms may be related to the lack of copper in the soil or the occurrence of factors that make it difficult for tomatoes to uptake copper from the soil. These factors are too high pH of the soil. (above 6.5) and excessive fertilization with nitrogen or phosphorus. To eliminate this cause, it is therefore necessary to check the pH of the soil using any pH-meter, limit nitrogen fertilization, and apply soil or foliar copper fertilizers (e.g. Mikrovit Cu, Copper Chelate Forte ).
Curl of the youngest leaves, their deformationmay result from manganese deficiency. The leaves turn gray-brown and necrotic at the same time. Difficulties in manganese uptake may result from the insufficient amount of this element in the soil, too high pH of the soil, lack of light, excessive soil moisture or over-fertilization with other ingredients (e.g.potassium, phosphorus, calcium or copper). In the first stage, check whether the pH of the substrate is appropriate, and then you can apply foliar or soil fertilizers containing manganese chelate (e.g. Mikrovit Mn, Manganese Chelate Forte).
"In amateur crops, in the case of symptoms ofdeficiency in the fertilization of tomato , it is worth reaching for liquid fertilizers enriched with microelements, such as e.g. liquid fertilizer for tomatoes aromatic fruit by Target. Thanks to the use of this type of fertilizer, we will be sure that the plants are provided with all the necessary nutrients, and the obtained fruit will be full of flavor and aroma, expected from tomatoes. "
Tomato leaf curl - bacterial cancer
Bacterial cancer of tomatois an extremely dangerous disease for tomato crops. The most common source of bacterial infections are seeds infected with them or the soil in which they are sown. The cause of infection can also be a person who transfers bacteria on the surface of their hands or used gardening tools from one plant to another during grooming.
Symptoms of infection with bacterial cancer of tomatousually occur a few weeks after planting the seedlings or during the fruit setting phase. The characteristic symptoms aretomato leaf curl , which precede the irreversible wilting of the plant. Wilting begins at the bottom of the plant and usually progresses rapidly upwards. It is also common forto wilt single leaf lobes folded on only one side of the petioleand one side of the stem while the other side of the leaf or plant appears to be he althy. Cracks, cancerous wounds and mucilaginous discharge can be observed on heavily infested plants. On the other hand, small dark spots may appear on the fruit surrounded by a light border about 2 mm in diameter. However, fruit symptoms are very rare.
Tomato leaf curl as a result of infection with bacterial cancer
So far it has not been possible to breed varieties resistant to bacterial cancer of tomatoes. Experience shows only that the determinate varieties and those that do not need to be removed get sick much less frequently.
There is no preparation in Poland that would allow for effectivecombating tomato bacterial cancerTherefore, the only solution is to remove infected plants and burn them. Under no circumstances should they be put into compost. All tools that have been in contact with infected plants should be disinfected (e.g. with hot vinegar). Prophylactic, still he althy plants are sprayed with copper preparations, eg Miedzian 50 WP, or agents containing grapefruit extract, eg Biosept Active 33 SL, Grevit 200 SL, Septovital 200 SL. These preparations may inhibit the further multiplication of bacteria and the development of the disease, but do not eliminate it. Therefore, after the end of cultivation, all other plants should also be removed and burned, and the interior of the greenhouse and various equipment should be decontaminated with one of the disinfectants with a bactericidal effect, e.g. Agrosteril 110 SL.
Note!To avoid the recurrence of bacterial cancer, it is best not to grow tomatoes for at least 3 years.
Tomato leaf curl as a result of an aphid attack
Anothercause of tomato leaf curl , thankfully easy to recognize, may be the presence of pests such as aphids. Of the aphids on tomatoes, the peach aphid or potato aphid most often appears. As a result of feeding these pests,deformation of the leaves in the form of a spoon-shaped bend of the leaf bladeThese symptoms are usually accompanied bycovering the leaves with sticky honey dew secreted by aphids , and also the abundant presence of these pests on the plant. In the event of the appearance of these pests, it is necessary to control aphids using one of the available aphicidal preparations approved for use on vegetables, bearing in mind the precautionary measures and the waiting period (i.e. the number of days that must pass from spraying to harvesting). In amateur crops on allotments and in home gardens, where it is recommended to avoid the use of chemical plant protection products, it is better to use natural preparations, non-toxic to humans, such as the natural Agrocover preparation, or use home remedies for aphids, such as onion decoction or extract from garlic.
Listed in the articlemeans of protection against diseases and pests of tomato leavesyou can order in our store. We guarantee high-quality products, efficient service and shipment within 24 hours. (which is important when your plants are already sick andyou need to spray quickly ). To go to the store, press the button below: -)
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Katarzyna Matuszak
