Tomato Diseases


Buckeye Fruit Rot
Phytophthora parasitica; P. capsici

Found worldwide

Damage Symptoms

Near-circular spots with bands of dark and light brown concentric rings that may enlarge to cover half or more of the fruit. Lesions remain smooth. Symptoms are most common on green fruit, but may occur on ripe.

Generally foliage is not affected, but P. capsici can cause leaf blight and defoliate the plant during extended rainy weather and warm temperatures.

Conditions for Development

Periods of extended rainfall and high temperature favor the disease. Water splash leads to infection. Fruit touching or near the soil are most prone to infection.


Control

Grow plants on raised beds to drain surface water away. Use plastic or straw mulch to reduce soil splash. Stake tomatoes to get fruit off the soil. Fungicidal sprays are helpful.