Your turn to help me –
First, the leaves will get little white spots. Then, the whole branch or whatever you call it on tomato plants — sub-stalks, perhaps? — will wither (see example to the left side of pic) and fall off.
What’s wrong with my tomato plant and why is this happening to me?
Hard to tell from the photo but it looks like White Fly to me. Usually a little soapy water & plucking off the infested leaves (check the underside for eggs) will help.
Comment by cybele — October 14, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Looks more like a form of powdery mildew to me.
Comment by Robert — October 14, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
It looks like some form of mold or mildew. Try watering less. Tomatoes seem to best with a good soak 2-3 times per week – not every day watering. Water early in the day (as the mold/mildew can come from wet leaves at night.) If you can (if I remember correctly it’s potted, right?), get it somewhere where it gets as much direct sunlight as possible.
Comment by Joe — October 14, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
I go to an environmental school, and I got this post conveniently while I was on campus. Brought it to a prof, and he says Powdery Mildew.
Hope that helps!
Comment by Ember — October 14, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
I’ve had this every year on my flowers and tomato plants as well, and its a fungus that doesn’t really harm the plant too much. You can use Seven powder, it helps.
Comment by Siobhan — October 14, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
Thanks for the tips, everyone! Okay — I’m gonna go with the watering less, and only in the morning thing. Should I also pluck off the affected leaves and/or spray with a dishwashing liquid mixture?
Comment by Siel — October 17, 2008 @ 12:56 pm