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Tomato stem rot virus
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I grow my tomatoes in Gro-pots in grobags in trays. Due to rain this spring they were waterlogged in the trays - could this be the cause of the rot? Also will the virus remain in surrounding ground or will it be killed off in the winter? Would welcome any advice as I love my tomatoes - much better than shop ones'
Desperate D.
Desperate D.
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Do you mean the tomatoes as fruits rotted? If so, you are experiencing Blossom End Rot and it's not a virus. It's caused, as you've suggested, by the overly wet conditions. The plant experiences a large fluctuation of calcium. Ironically, the problem can be caused by drought or over watering. Be sure to provide adequate drainage next year and they should be fine.
If, however, you've seen the plant's stems rot, or become limp an unable to hold themselves, you may have experienced damping off... again, not a virus or mildew, but caused by over watering (and often, over fertilization). Especially notable in diagnosing this malady is the soil line around the base of the plant may be discolored in yellows, browns or blacks.
Lastly, the various blights such as Early, Late, Fusarium and Verticillium are caused by any number virus' or fungi.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the garden this fall and treat the soil with an anti-fungal compound. I use an Ortho product called Dormant Oil. It's a sulphur based product (don't get any on your shoe or clothes... it stinks) which one sprays on the soil either after garden clean up in the fall or very early in the spring. Others are available... best of luck!
If, however, you've seen the plant's stems rot, or become limp an unable to hold themselves, you may have experienced damping off... again, not a virus or mildew, but caused by over watering (and often, over fertilization). Especially notable in diagnosing this malady is the soil line around the base of the plant may be discolored in yellows, browns or blacks.
Lastly, the various blights such as Early, Late, Fusarium and Verticillium are caused by any number virus' or fungi.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the garden this fall and treat the soil with an anti-fungal compound. I use an Ortho product called Dormant Oil. It's a sulphur based product (don't get any on your shoe or clothes... it stinks) which one sprays on the soil either after garden clean up in the fall or very early in the spring. Others are available... best of luck!
Thanks Clanad & Figi. No. it was not blossom end rot - I am familiar with that. The stems developed brown lengths at intervals, causing the leaves to wither faster than usual and most of the fruits then rotted, Several gardeners around here in the southwest had the same problem so I expect it was down to the early wet weather. Will try sterilising the soil and hope for the best next year. Thanks again.
Desperate D.
Desperate D.
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