Despite our best efforts, sometimes bad things happen to our prized tomato plants. Over three installments, I will cover common problems and possible solutions. Our first installment will address general plant growth. 

GENERAL PLANT GROWTH

Symptom: Tops become weak, pale, dwarfed, wilt easily, and die prematurely. Yield is lessened. Swelling on roots becoming distorted, enlarged, and decayed.

Problem: Root knot nematode.

Solution: Plant resistant varieties. Interplant with marigolds (especially dwarfs) or where marigolds were grown and dug into the soil.

Symptom: Sudden wilting of plants and rapid rotting of roots.

Problem: Phytophthora root rot brought on by excessive watering and lack of drainage.

Solution: Correct irrigation techniques.

Symptom: Deformed growth or wilt.

Problem: Numerous insects sucking sap. Aphids found on undersides of leaves or clustered on new growth. Whitefly larvae on underside of leaves, adults fly up when foliage is disturbed.

Solution: A few insects won't hurt production. Crush them onto leaves or stems. Spray with soapy water. Natural enemies of aphids include ladybug larvae and adults, syrphid fly larvae, lacewing larvae, and parasitic wasps.

Symptom: Slow growth. Leaves paling from top of plant down. Leaves small and thin, with purple veins. Stems yellow and rigid. Flower buds yellow and drop off.

Problem: Nitrogen deficiency.

Solution: Apply nitrogen and compost.

Symptom: Slow growth, plants tinged purple, leaves small and fibrous. Delayed fruit set.

Problem: Phosphorous deficiency. 

Solution: Apply bone meal at planting time, and sidedress six weeks later.

Symptom: Brittle young leaves that curl up and turn yellow away from stems. Green border on yellowed leaves.

Problem: Magnesium deficiency.

Solution: Incorporate dolomitic limestone or a handful of Epsom salts at planting time.

Symptom: Blackened areas at growing tip of stunted stem. Terminal shoots curl, yellow, and die.

Problem: Boron deficiency.

Solution: Apply one teaspoon of borax around the base of the plant and water in.

Symptom: Yellowed leaves with green veins.

Problem: Iron deficiency.

Solution: Add acidic supplements such as leaf mold or manure.

Symptom: Stunted shoot growth, poor root development, bluish green foliage, leaves flabby and curled upward. Few or no blossoms.

Problem: Copper deficiency.

Solution: Apply manure.

Symptom: Small, narrow leaves colored yellow between veins and mottled with dead areas. Stems may crack.

Problem: Zinc deficiency.

Solution: Apply manure.

Symptom: Very slow growth. Yellowed areas between veins on leaves. Few blos­soms, no fruit.

Problem: Manganese deficiency.

Solution: Apply manure.

Stay tuned for future articles on tomato trouble shooting!