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
Wagner Bettiol, a scientist in Brazil found that using milk will actually control this powdery mildew. Yes, normal milk will actually control powdery mildew and contains a natural foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant’s immune system in the process. Bettiol found that a mixture of at least 10% milk mixed with 90% water will significantly reduce the severity of powdery mildew when sprayed weekly on the plant. Scientists are still baffled as to why this powdery mildew is actually cured from just using milk. Some believe it might just be to the fact that most milk contains natural salts and amino acids that acts like a natural germicide. New Zealand also found out about this new cure and has started to see changes on the grapes that are used for wine production.
It is amazing that this simple natural ingredient will cure powdery mildew when chemical sprays were not as effective. It is great to hear that there is a natural cure, especially since the produce is grown to eat and drink. Organic gardeners such as me are thrilled! Basically, any kind of milk can be used, even skim milk. It is a green cure and inexpensive, how could that be any better!
You will need to apply natural fungicides to plants infected with powdery mildew every five days or so to keep the mildew under control. Removing dead or infected leaves, and watering plants at the roots rather than from overhead, will help stop the mildew from spreading.You will need to apply natural fungicides to plants infected with powdery mildew every five days or so to keep the mildew under control. Removing dead or infected leaves, and watering plants at the roots rather than from overhead, will help stop the mildew from spreading.
In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. While some gardeners may be tempted to increase the concentration of milk for more control, Bettiol found that once concentrations rose above 30%, an innoccuous fungus began to grow on the plants. How does milk control powdery mildew?
Comment by Anonymous — April 11, 2012 @ 8:32 am
I have sprayed my tomato plants with the milk mixture tonight 5-21-2012..I will let you know how well it works.. :) Thank you for the advice…
Comment by sonja scott — May 21, 2012 @ 6:46 pm