As one of the most common and devastating problems faced by tomato growers around the world, blight needs to be controlled if one wants to see a bountiful tomato harvest. Blight is caused by the fungus-like organism Phytophthora infestans, which thrives in moist and humid conditions. The disease can affect both the leaves and fruit of the tomato plant, causing it to wither away and die, making it important to take timely measures to avoid heavy infestation. Here are some tips to help you control blight in tomato plants:
1. Rotate crop: Rotate the location of the tomato plants in your garden each season. This will ensure that the soil is not depleted of vital nutrients and that the build-up of soil-borne diseases, including blight, is avoided.
2. Plant resistant cultivars: Plant resistant tomato plants that are immune to particular strains of blight if possible. This may help avoid heavy pest infestations and lead to a bumper harvest.
3. Practice good sanitation: Remove all the dead and infected plant remains at least 2 feet away from the diseased plants and burn them or discard them off-site. Sanitation practices will decrease the chance of the fungus releasing spores and spreading diseases.
4. Avoid overhead watering: When watering the tomato plant, avoid watering directly on the leaves and instead water the soil around the base of the plant. Overhead watering can promote the growth of fungus and will increase the chance of plant infection.
5. Use fungicide: Apply fungicides to tomato plants to reduce the chance of blight spread from neighbouring plants. Systemic fungicides are also a good option as they are absorbed by the plant and move through the vascular system to protect the plant from new infections.
6. Reduce humidity indoors: If growing tomatoes indoors, reduce humidity and increase ventilation to lower the chance of blight spores infecting other plants.
In conclusion, tomato blight can be a significant problem for tomato growers. Take proactive measures to prevent the infection and avoid heavy infestation. By following the tips discussed above, controlling blight becomes easier, giving gardeners the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor without any worries.