Problems and Solutions

Problems

Possible Causes

Possible Solutions

Dying young plants

Fertilizer burn

Mix fertilizer thoroughly with soil.

Follow label directions carefully.

Disease(damping-off)

Identify; treat seed, don't over-water

Stunted plants

Pale to yellow

Low soil fertility

Soil test for fertilizer Recommendation.

Low soil pH (too acid)

Soil test for lime Recommendation.

Poor soil drainage

Raise beds; add organic matter, adjust irrigation schedule.

Shallow or compacted Soil

Plow deeper.

Insects or diseases

Make positive identification; use control measures.

Nematodes

Soil test for treatment Recommendations.

Stunted plants

Purplish color

Low temperature

Plant at recommended time.

Lack of phosphorus

Add phosphorus fertilizer.

Holes in leaves

Insects

Make positive identification; use control measures.

Hail

None

Leaf lesions and spots

(irregular patterns)

Disease

(bacteria or fungus)

Identify, spray or dust, use resistant varieties if available.

Chemical burn

Follow label directions carefully.

Fertilizer burn

Keep fertilizer off plants.

Wilting plants

Dry soil

Irrigate

Excess water in soil

Drain; raise beds; water less frequently

Nematodes

Soil test for treatment recommendations.

Disease

Use resistant varieties if possible

Weak, spindly plants

Too much shade

Follow planting site recommendations.

Too much water

Adjust irrigation schedule

Plantings too dense

Seed at recommended rate; thin

Too much Nitrogen

Soil test;   follow recommendations

Failure to set fruit

High temperature

Follow recommended planting time.

Low temperature

Follow recommended planting time or use season extenders

Too much nitrogen

Soil test; follow recommendations

Insects

Make positive identification; follow control recommendations.

Tomato leaves curl

Heavy pruning in hot weather

Avoid heavy pruning above 4 th flower cluster.

Disease

Make positive identification; follow control recommendations.                                 

Problems

Possible Causes

Possible Solutions

Blossom end rot

Low calcium

Soil test; lime accordingly

Irregular watering

Adjust irrigation schedule to fit soil moisture conditions

Poor pollination

Plant crops to attract pollinators and beneficial insects; hand pollinate

Misshapen tomatoes (cat facing)

Cool weather during bloom

Follow recommended planting time or use season extenders.

Distorted leaves; abnormal growth

2,4-D weed killer

Have separate sprayers for herbicides and pesticides.

Avoid spray drift; don't spray on windy day.

Apply 2,4-D according to label directions.

Virus disease

Make positive identification; follow control recommendations.