Released May 03, 2007
GREAT BEND, Kan. - May is prime shopping time for tomato transplants, with all the variety options that entails. If they´re careful, however, shoppers´ choices also can reduce later problems.
"Diseases are one of the most limiting factors in successful tomato production. It just makes sense to do what you can to prevent them now," said Rick Snell, agricultural and natural resources agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. "So, make sure your planting site is clean - has no weeds or plant debris that could be harboring disease pathogens. Then, prepare to do some scouting."
Two fungal diseases called Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt can become major problems.
"You need to check plant tags to see whether the varieties you´re considering are resistant to those diseases," Snell advised. "If they´re not - for example, if you´re interested in growing older or antique varieties - make sure you plant them in an area where you´ve never grown tomatoes before.
"Wilt pathogens can survive in the soil for years, though. So, if you´ve had wilt diseases in your garden within the past decade, you´ll probably have better luck growing tomatoes that aren´t susceptible."
The tomato transplants themselves can introduce several leaf spotting and viral diseases into a garden, he warned. Diseases can progress from infected seed or contaminated soil. The plants may have come in contact with disease hosts or contaminated equipment in a greenhouse or during shipping. Plus, tiny light-green to brown insects call thrips can transmit several pathogens from plant to plant.
"Contaminated materials don´t come with warning signs, and you´re not likely to see any thrips," Snell said. "You have to examine tomato transplants for anything that looks abnormal - yellowish or bronze new foliage ... spots on leaves´ top or bottom sides ... discolored rings or streaks on leaf or stem.
"If you find any suspicious-looking plants in a tray, assume the whole flat is contaminated."
Stunted growth can be another disease symptom.
"Be sure what you´re seeing is stunting, though, and not just a normal growth stage," he advised. "The best tomato transplants are short, stocky and a rich green - sturdy, healthy and raring to grow."
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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/sty/briefs.htm#Five
Contact: Mary Lou Peter-Blecha, mlpeter@ksu.edu
