Tomato issue - Knowledgebase Question

Shrubs
fort collins, Co
Question by tippyone9
September 27, 2010
On my tomato plants there is a very fine white powder and I'm wondering what it is and what caused it. Is it something that would prevent me from putting my plants into the composter?


Image
Answer from NGA
September 27, 2010

0

 What you describe sounds like a fungal disease called powdery mildew. It is common late in the season when days are warm and nights are cool. To reduce infections, avoid overhead watering to help reduce the relative humidity; Selectively prune overcrowded plant material to help increase air circulation. This helps reduce relative humidity and infection. If cultural controls fail to prevent disease buildup, or if the disease pressure is too great, an application of a fungicide may be necessary. These include: sulfur, neem oil (Rose Defense, Shield-All, Triact), triforine (Ortho Funginex), or potassium bicarbonate (Kaligreen, First Step) Chemicals are most effective when combined with cultural controls. You can safely compost the tomato plants. The heat generated from a well managed compost pile will kill the pathogens. Best wishes with your tomato plants.

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

[ Join now ]

Garden.org Homepage
Help using the site
About
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy
Memberlist
Acorns
Links
Ask a Question
Getting Started Gardening
Newsletter

© 1972 - 2021 National Gardening Association

Times are presented in US Central Standard Time

Pinterest
Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Today's site banner is by dirtdorphins and is called "Liatris love"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.