Image © 2002 by David L. Green
Tomato disease photos
June 15, 2002
Images © 2002 by David L. Green
About three weeks ago this "Lemon Boy" tomato lost color in the leaves, and stopped growing. It had only set one tomato, which also stopped growing and began to distort and had unusual markings on it. The veins of the leaves sunk and turned purplish, and then some areas began to die. No further tomatoes have set.
The prime suspect is tomato spotted wilt virus, which has become almost an epidemic in tomato, peanut and tobacco fields around here. Tomatoes are scarce this season in this area because there have been such heavy losses in commercial plantings. Some tobacco growers have lost 30 - 40% of their crop.
Here are photos of the symptoms. If you can confirm or refute the tentative diagnosis, or provide additional information, it would be appreciated.
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
The first symptoms to show are the lightening of leaf color, purplish veins and shape distortion.
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
Later symptoms to show are the death of some areas of the leaf.
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
Underside of the leaf, on a notebook background..
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
The fruit stopped growing, became deformed and acquired some discoleration
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
Now a patio tomato is just beginning to yellow.
It has already produced a number of tomatoes, and has several still on it.
Image © 2002 by David L. Green
Apparently healthy forage from an Early Girl for comparison. Deep green color.
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