![]() ![]() The pathogen spreads by wind or by water splash. ![]() Disease progresses from bottom to top of plants. Distinct light-green spots caused by the tomato leaf mold pathogen on whole plants. Abiotic conditions such as magnesium deficiency and the beginning stages of other diseases can produce similar symptoms to tomato leaf mold. Proper identification of disease is important. Fruit production may not be severely hampered during the earlier stages of disease, but over time, disease severity increases and defoliation occurs. ![]() Disease symptoms appear first on the lower leaves of tomato plants. Soon after, olive-green asexual conidia emerge, and eventually the spots become necrotic. The fungus Passalora fulva isolated from infected tomato leaves SymptomsÄisease symptoms first appear after seven days as light green spots on leaves. The stomata become clogged and tomato plants cannot respire well, resulting in wilting, defoliation, and infection. Upon landing on leaves, the fungus lands and enters plant stomata used in gas exchange. The fungus produces conidia that infect the lower surfaces of leaves. It is an ascomycete fungus that lives on living tomato leaves. Tomato leaf mold is caused by a fungal pathogen called Passalora fulva (syn. Despite the slower progression of disease compared to a pathogen such as Phytophthora infestans, management is still crucial because tomatoes are a high value crop and consistent yields are an important source of income for growers. High tunnels allow for season extension of high value crops such as tomatoes, yet the structures are also conducive to the growth of tomato leaf mold, which favors humid, dry conditions. With the rise of high tunnel construction in New York State through assistance programs by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, tomato leaf mold is appearing more frequently. It is less common in the field compared to greenhouses and high tunnels. It was first described in 1883 as a pathogen that causes leaf lesions. Tomato leaf mold is a foliar disease that is especially problematic in greenhouse and high tunnels. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |