Early blight is a disease that attacks the plants foliage, stems and the fruit of tomatoes.
When does early blight affect plants
- During early to mid season
- Humid weather
- Periods of heavy rain
What does early blight look like?
- Brown to Black 1/4″ to 1/2″ spots on the lower leaves and stems
- Spots on fruit often start near the stem
- Lower leave turn yellow and drop off
How to treat early blight
- Remove and destroy infected leaves (see below)
- With a bio-fungicide and fungicide as soon as possible
How to prevent blight
- Rotate crops. Spores can remain dormant for several years
- Plant disease resistant hybrids
- Plant in raised beds to improve drainage
- Give tomato plants space – more than 24 inches to allow air to circulate amongst the leaves
- Water the soil, not the plant
- Stake plants for better circulation
- Remove and destroy affected plants
An excellent article regarding Blight….
Tomato Blight: Control and Prevention of Late Blight In UK Gardens & Allotments