Picking off the spotted leaves can slow down the disease if the infection is fairly light. There are a number of cultural techniques that can be used to limit Septoria. Once the spores land on a healthy leaf, spotting can appear in five days if weather conditions are ideal. When conditions are wet, spores are exuded from the Septoria fruiting bodies present on the infected tomato leaves. The pathogen survives best on tomato foliage but may also infect Solanceous weeds related to tomatoes like Jimson weed, horse nettle, ground cherry and nightshade. If Septoria has been a problem on tomatoes in previous years, it may become an issue in subsequent years especially if the tomatoes are always planted in the same garden spot each year. Septoria can be prevented but not cured once it is evident. of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Right, Leaf spotting and advanced decay of Septoria leaf spot. Left, Signs of Septoria leaf spot on a tomato leaf. Michigan State University Extension hotlines are just beginning to answer questions about Septoria now. The Septoria pathogen will then spread via water splashing to the upper leaves causing defoliation further defoliation. The leaf eventually wilts, dries up and falls off. If there are enough spots, the leaves turn yellow, then brown. There may be small, black dots, which are the fruiting bodies of the fungus, located in the center of the spot. The leaves develop small, dark spots that rapidly enlarge to 0.25 inches and have a tan or gray center. The first leaves that are affected are typically toward the bottom of the plant. It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, but not the fruit. One of the common tomato maladies is Septoria leaf spot. Michigan summers with their warm and often humid climate are favorable for various leaf blights to develop. Regardless of its interesting history, almost all gardeners include a tomato or two for their eating pleasure. Because it is in the same family as nightshade, it was considered unsafe for human consumption. It was only grown for its attractive but forbidden fruits. The tomato was called the “love apple “and believed to be poisonous until around 1850. So, the tomato is either a fruit or a vegetable, depending on whose definition is used. The reason involved the collection of import duties. However, in 1893, the tomato was declared a vegetable by the United States Supreme Court. It is classified as such because the portion that is eaten contains reproductive structures (seeds). Tomatoes are one of the favorite fruits or vegetables gardeners grow every year. To help you identify whether your tomatoes are infected with Septoria leaf spot or another disease, see the tip sheet ' Tomato Diseases in the Home Garden.' Editor's note: Tomatoes are susceptible to several diseases in the summer.

Before your eyes disease