What is causing my tomato to wilt?
The primary diseases that cause wilting are southern blight, southern bacterial wilt, and tomato spotted wilt. The first above-ground symptom of southern blight is plant wilting, which is caused by stem rot at the soil line. Small, mustard seed-sized sclerotia (reproductive structures) form on the lower stem. Southern bacterial wilt is more common on tomatoes later in the season. It is characterized by sudden plant wilting in the absence of leaf yellowing. Late blight can be a problem later in the season in wet weather. Tomato spotted wilt is a virus that is transmitted by tiny insects called thrips that feed on infected leaves. Symptoms of tomato spotted wilt virus include leaf discoloration, necrosis (dieback) of upper branches and leaves, and eventual collapse of the entire plant. There may be some wilting. In any disease control program, the first line of defense is prevention. Employ proper cultural practices to ensure the healthiest, most vigorous plant possible. A non-stressed p
