Gray mold is a disease caused by the fungus named Phytophthora infestans mostly in tomatoes. This fungus creates spots on the leaves and fruits of the tomato plant. The spots are typically brown or black in color, and a white decay can be seen around the spots. Gray mold spreads in warm and humid weather conditions and can be a serious problem in tomato cultivation. This disease can reduce tomato yield and lower quality. Control methods include chemical pesticides, cultural practices, and the use of disease-resistant varieties.
Gray Mold in Tomatoes
Symptoms of Gray Mold in Tomatoes
Symptoms of Gray mold on tomato stem
Symptoms of Gray mold on tomato stem
Symptoms
The disease appears as a blurry gray-brown lesion at or just below the soil line in tomato seedlings and usually encircles the stem; if the stem is girdled, all parts of the plant above the lesion begin to wilt; infected flowers and calyxes are covered with gray spores; immature fruits turn light brown or gray and rot; circular white rings called “ghost spots” form on green fruits infected by airborne spores.
Agent Fungal
Development Conditions of the Disease
Gray mold is generally associated with wounds in plants; it can develop in relatively cool conditions.
Methods of Combating Gray Mold in Tomatoes
Liming the soil to increase calcium content enhances the general health and resistance of plants. The liming process neutralizes acidity by increasing the pH value in the soil and improves the calcium uptake of plants. Higher calcium levels strengthen the cellular structures of plants and help them become more resistant to diseases. It is important to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of fungal diseases such as mold. Especially in dense canopy conditions, plants may become more susceptible to mold. For this reason, excessive shading of plants should be avoided and, if possible, sufficient distance should be left between plants, so ventilation is improved. In addition, it is important to use appropriate fungicides to increase the resistance of plants against gray mold. When disease symptoms are seen in plants, appropriate fungicide should be applied by consulting an expert or receiving recommendations from local agricultural experts. Fungicides can prevent disease spread by keeping the growth of fungi under control.
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