Knowledgebase
Compost contamination #798728
Asked June 30, 2022, 7:45 AM EDT
Good morning! I purchased compost in my local area and am concerned it was contaminated. My tomatoes are curling but non-nightshade plants are thriving. I planted a couple beans to test germination and the y did come up. My tomatoes continue to blossom and produce fruit. My main concern is safety in eating these crops. So far peppers appear unaffected. My plants are growing in a hoop house and it is ventilated but still gets very hot. Could heat cause the leaves to curl? A response is much appreciated. Thanks and have a wonderful day.
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Bev, thanks for the question.
Could you possibly send some pictures of the plants?
Hi Bev,
Since the beans didn't show any signs of contamination in the compost, it is unlikely that is the problem. General leaf curl is a reaction to plant stress. Heat is frequently the stressor. Other factors that may cause leaf roll include nitrogen fertilizer, herbicide damage, heavy pruning, aphids, et al. If there is severe distortion of the leaves you could be looking at a virus like curly top. Check out the following links:
Curling Tomato Leaves? Here’s What to Know! | North Carolina Cooperative Extension (ncsu.edu)
Curly Top Disease of Tomato | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)
Thank you so much. Potatoes and peppers are also unaffected. I appreciate this answer. I’d guess it’s the heat. This is a learning year. First time in a hoop house. Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 30, 2022, at 10:05 PM, Ask Extension <askextension> wrote: ></askextension>
Bev,
Hoop House growing is definitely different. I've been growing in a HH for several years and still figuring it out. Hope all goes well.
