![]() infestans develops sporangiospores or specialized branched hyphae that leaves a host plant through the stomata of stems and leaves. The majority of the reproduction happens asexually during the disease cycle. Asexual reproduction happens rapidly and can widely disperse the pathogen throughout the growing season and sexual reproduction helps with the genetic diversity in order to develop resistance genes to combat fungicides. ![]() This oomycete can produce both sexually and asexually. Late blight is a host-specific pathogen that requires plant tissue to grow. ![]() infestans originates from the Americas, although there is ongoing academic debate on whether it is from South America (Andes) or North America (Mexico). Of all the phytophthora species, this one is the most well-studied and is one of the most devastating phytophthora diseases worldwide. There are several other known oomycete pathogens that cause damping off, seedling blights, and downy mildew, to name a few. However, P.Infestans is not a virus, fungus, or bacterium it is classified as an oomycete or water mold. Similar to many other plant diseases, this pathogen changes its host’s physiology and immune system. Phytophthora infestans is also commonly known as late blight, potato late blight, or tomato late blight. What Is Phytophthora Infestans? Tomato leaves with Phytophthora lesions. Pathogen resistance is one reason why even in the present time, late blight continues to cause over $6 billion in damages every year to tomato and potato crops. Fungicides can be expensive, most are prohibited in organic production, they pose risks to the environment, and may lead to the development of resistant strains. Martin Draper looked at samples the workshop attendees brought from their gardens and gave suggestions as to what can be done to bring the plants back to health.Systemic fungicides are the most common treatment to combat this plant pathogen, but with many drawbacks. There are many USDA extension offices throughout the country and research facilities on every land-grand university, so if you have further questions or concerns about tomato diseases feel free to contact one of these places. Garden clean-up is another preventative key, as the diseases’ spores can overwinter on plants left in the garden from the previous year. This needs to be reapplied regularly to maintain its efficiency. To create a solution that prevents and treats disease, add a heaping tablespoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of vegetable oil, and a small amount of mild soap to a gallon of water and spray the tomato plants with this solution. If you garden organically, adding compost extracts or teas can be a treatment. A fungicide intended for different plants, not vegetables, won’t make a difference and may cause problems. Some fungicides can be very effective however, it is important to follow the label. Keep a watch on your garden, and pluck any leaves that show signs of disease and take out infected plants. This way, the space will make it slightly more difficult for diseases to spread quickly, and the airflow will keep the plants dry. It is also recommended to stake your tomato plants instead of caging them, and space them appropriately. Watering at the base of the plant can help prevent this if you do use a sprinkler system or similar method to water your tomatoes, do so in the morning to allow the plant an opportunity to dry throughout the day. Moisture, especially on the leaves, provides great conditions for the spores of these diseases to make themselves at home. These diseases can be spread many ways, and knowing what they are can supply simple solutions. Early and late blight affect potatoes as well, in fact, late blight caused the Irish potato famine. It looks white and fuzzy on the underside of the leaf, and destroys crops quickly. Late blight affects large portions of the leaves. Early blight can set in the stems and leaves, and is identified by legions with target-like rings. Septoria leaf spot is characterized by small, dark circular spots that often have yellow halos around them they appear on the lower leaves of the plant first. Don’t let the names early blight and late blight mislead you, they can appear at any time during the year. He discussed in detail three pathogenic diseases: septoria leaf spot, early blight, and late blight. ![]() Martin Draper, a plant pathologist through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, taught us how to identify them and what we can do to treat and prevent them. The People’s Garden Workshop topic this week was tomato blights and spots, and Dr. However, several diseases love our tomato plants just as much as we do. We are passionate about our tomatoes and savor that ripe, fresh fruit. Written by Kayla Harless, People’s Garden InternĪlmost everyone who gardens grows tomato plants.
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