tomato leaf and stem damage - Ask Extension
3 out of 20 tomato plants look like leafs have been eaten. some stems cut off, and some leaves are yellow and withering. Don't think deer did it. Ca...
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tomato leaf and stem damage #416490
Asked July 24, 2017, 2:44 PM EDT
3 out of 20 tomato plants look like leafs have been eaten. some stems cut off, and some leaves are yellow and withering. Don't think deer did it. Can not see any little bugs on stems of leaves. These three tomatoes are near each other. Afraid it might be some insect that is spreading. Can I spray with Malathion 50?
Or something else?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We do not recommend spraying with Malathion (or anything else) until an insect pest is actually identified. Would you be able to upload photos to show us the symptoms you are seeing on your tomato leaves? One possibility for the yellowing of the leaves might be early blight, which is a fungal disease active now on tomatoes. https://extension.umd.edu/growit/early-blight-vegetables We would really need to see photos in order to make a good diagnosis and recommendations for you. You can upload up to three photos.
ckc
ckc
Some does look like "early blight" to me. Photos added. Thanks!
Yes, it does look like your plant has symptoms of early blight. The second photo, with the leaves clipped off the stems, looks like deer browsing damage. We do not see any evidence of insect damage here, so there is no need to apply an insecticide. The web page we sent to you previously has information on how to manage this disease. Prune out and discard (in the trash, not compost) the leaves that are showing yellowing/browning symptoms.
https://extension.umd.edu/growit/early-blight-vegetables
Do not hesitate to be in touch again if you have any additional questions.
ckc
https://extension.umd.edu/growit/early-blight-vegetables
Do not hesitate to be in touch again if you have any additional questions.
ckc
Thanks for your help!
You're very welcome!