Why Are My Tomato Plants Dying? Tips to Revive and Maintain Their Health

Lack Of Water: Wilting And Revival

Tomato plants, like all plants, require an adequate amount of water to thrive. Insufficient water can lead to wilting, which is a common sign of dehydration in tomato plants. When tomato plants are not watered properly, they may appear limp and droopy. This is because water plays a crucial role in maintaining the turgidity of plant cells.

However, the good news is that wilting caused by a lack of water is often reversible. Tomato plants have a remarkable ability to revive when watered properly. When the plants are given sufficient water, they quickly absorb it through their roots and transport it to the rest of the plant, including the leaves. As the plant rehydrates, the cells regain their turgidity, and the droopy appearance disappears.

It is important to note that regular and consistent watering is essential for preventing future episodes of wilting and maintaining the health of tomato plants.

Fungal Wilt Diseases: Verticillium And Fusarium

Verticillium and Fusarium wilt are common fungal diseases that can wreak havoc on tomato plants. These diseases are caused by specific fungi that target and infect the vascular system of the plants. The fungi enter the plants through the roots and then spread throughout the vascular tissues, hindering the plants’ ability to transport water and nutrients.

One of the primary symptoms of fungal wilt diseases is wilting, which initially occurs during the day and may temporarily improve during the night. This temporary recovery is often deceptive, as infected plants eventually experience irreversible wilting and eventually die. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for these fungal wilt diseases, so prompt action is necessary when they are detected.

To manage fungal wilt diseases, it is important to take the following steps:

• Remove and discard infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Use tomato varieties labeled ‘VF’ (indicating resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt) as they can help control the diseases.
• Practice crop rotation in the vegetable garden. Avoid planting tomato family plants for 4-6 years to reduce the effects of fungal wilts.

Note: Practicing these management techniques can significantly reduce the impact of fungal wilt diseases on tomato plants.

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus: Symptoms And Prevention

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) is a highly detrimental virus that affects tomato plants. It is transmitted by thrips, tiny insects that feed on the plants and introduce the virus into their tissues. TSWV can infect tomatoes both in the greenhouse and in the field.

The symptoms of TSWV include stunting, wilting, bronzing of foliage, and the appearance of brown or green rings on the fruit. Once a plant is infected, there is no cure for TSWV, and the infected plant should be immediately removed to prevent the spread of the virus to neighboring plants.

To prevent TSWV, it is advisable to use tomato varieties that are resistant to this virus. These resistant varieties are available and are typically labeled as ‘VF’ (indicating resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium as well). If your garden has a history of TSWV, it is particularly important to choose resistant tomato varieties to ensure the health and productivity of your plants.

• TSWV is a highly detrimental virus affecting tomato plants.
• Transmitted by thrips, tiny insects that feed on the plants and introduce the virus into their tissues.
• TSWV can infect tomatoes in both greenhouse and field settings.
• Symptoms of TSWV include stunting, wilting, bronzing of foliage, and appearance of brown or green rings on the fruit.
• Once a plant is infected, there is no cure for TSWV.
• Immediately removing infected plant is crucial to prevent virus spread.
• Use tomato varieties resistant to TSWV, typically labeled as ‘VF’.
• Resistant varieties also protect against Verticillium and Fusarium.
• Choosing resistant varieties is vital for gardens with TSWV history.

Juglone Toxicity: Effects On Tomato Plants

Did you know that black walnut trees can have a detrimental effect on tomato plants?

Black walnut trees produce a toxic substance called juglone, which can cause injury and even death to solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, as well as other juglone-sensitive vegetables.

The symptoms of walnut toxicity in tomato plants include stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of foliage. Additionally, susceptible plants may eventually die. Unfortunately, once tomato plants are affected by juglone toxicity, there is little that can be done to save them. It is crucial to remove and destroy any juglone-damaged tomato plants to prevent the spread of the toxicity and protect other healthy plants.

If you have large walnut trees near your garden, it is advisable to consider alternate garden sites where the walnut trees’ influence is minimized. Alternatively, planting tomatoes at least 20 to 25 feet beyond the dripline of walnut trees can help reduce the effects of juglone toxicity.

It is worth noting that plants like corn, beans, onions, beets, and carrots are tolerant of juglone and can be planted closer to walnut trees without experiencing significant harm.

---

• Juglone toxicity:
• Black walnut trees produce juglone, a toxic substance that can harm solanaceous crops like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
• Symptoms of walnut toxicity in tomato plants:
• Stunted growth
• Yellowing
• Wilting of foliage
• Once tomato plants are affected by juglone toxicity, saving them becomes difficult.
• To prevent the spread of toxicity, it is crucial to remove and destroy any juglone-damaged tomato plants.
• If there are large walnut trees near your garden:
• Consider alternate garden sites with minimized walnut tree influence.
• Alternatively, plant tomatoes at least 20 to 25 feet beyond the dripline of walnut trees to reduce juglone toxicity effects.
• Plants tolerant of juglone:
• Corn
• Beans
• Onions
• Beets
• Carrots

Stalk Borers: Pests And Control Measures

Stalk borers are insect pests that pose a threat to a wide range of plants, including tomatoes. These pests lay their eggs on the foliage of various plants, and once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars bore into the stem of the plant and tunnel inside the stalk. This invasive activity causes wilting and, in severe cases, can lead to the death of the plant.

Unfortunately, stalk borers are not effectively controlled with insecticides, making prevention and early detection crucial. Cutting or mowing tall weedy areas around vegetable gardens can help control the presence of stalk borers. By removing potential host plants, you can reduce the likelihood of stalk borer infestation.

By implementing appropriate preventative measures and addressing any issues promptly, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your tomato plants. Remember to provide sufficient water, choose disease-resistant varieties, pay attention to signs of viral infections, take precautions around black walnut trees, and stay vigilant against insect pests such as stalk borers. With careful care and attention, your tomato plants can thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.

---

Check this out:

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What does overwatered tomato plants look like?

Overwatered tomato plants can be easily identified through their distinct visual cues. One key indicator is the appearance of yellow, blistered, or wilting leaves. In addition, the stems of overwatered plants may also turn yellow. To determine if your tomato plants are suffering from excessive watering, a simple test can be performed. Insert your finger into the soil and assess its moisture level. If the soil feels excessively wet, especially after a dry period, it is a clear sign that your tomato plants have been overwatered.

How do you treat a sick tomato plant?

To nurse an ailing tomato plant back to health, a simple yet effective treatment involves concocting a solution. Commence by blending a generous tablespoon of baking soda, followed by a teaspoon of vegetable oil, with a small quantity of mild soap into a gallon of water. Diligently spraying the tomato plants with this mixture on a regular basis will ensure its ability to combat and manage diseases, prompting their revitalization and well-being. Remember, consistency is key to achieve optimal results.

Why are my tomatoes turning brown and dying?

The brown and dying tomatoes may be experiencing blossom-end rot, which is commonly caused by a lack of calcium in the tomato tissue. Even if there is sufficient calcium in the soil, stems or leaves, it may not be reaching the affected area of the plant. This insufficient calcium uptake leads to the rotting and browning of the tomatoes.

Why are the leaves on my tomato plant curling up and dying?

The curling up and dying of the leaves on your tomato plant is likely due to less than ideal growing conditions. Tomato leaf curl is commonly caused by hot weather, lack of moisture, and heat stress, as explained by Dr. Ajay Nair, an Extension Vegetable Specialist at Iowa State University. To remedy this issue, it is important to provide your tomato plant with adequate moisture and protection from excessive heat.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4