As you cultivate tomatoes, one of the most sought-after plants for backyard gardens, several factors come into play. Deciding on the optimal watering schedule, selecting a suitable fertilization method, and preventing common issues like blossom end rot are all crucial considerations. While tomatoes aren’t inherently challenging to grow, they can be temperamental at times. Several diseases can impact their health, including Alternaria blight, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew.
The good news is that by choosing disease-resistant varieties, you can significantly minimize the risk of infection. When planning your garden for next year, consider these top options to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Most Common Tomato Diseases
While numerous afflictions can threaten the health and productivity of your tomato plants, it’s worth noting that certain conditions are more prevalent than others. Despite the vast array of potential problems, a subset of issues tends to recur with greater frequency.
Anthracnose
Tomato fungal diseases are a persistent problem for many gardeners, but one of the most prevalent and debilitating types is Septoria leaf spot. Characterized by small, round spots that darken in the center as they mature, this disease can quickly turn a healthy tomato plant into a rotting, fruitless mess. But what’s behind its prevalence? The answer lies in the soil itself, where poor drainage and excessive moisture create an ideal environment for Septoria to thrive.
Early Blight
The scourge of many tomato gardeners, early blight is a persistent problem caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. One of its most insidious features is its ability to overwinter in soil, making it a multi-year threat. While it doesn’t typically kill plants outright, it can significantly impede their growth by causing nearly complete defoliation.
Late Blight
While late blight can be a formidable foe in many gardens, there’s a silver lining for those in the northern hemisphere. This fungal disease is not typically able to withstand freezing temperatures, which greatly reduces its prevalence in colder climates. As you might expect, late blight manifests itself through the appearance of water-soaked spots and other unwelcome symptoms across affected plants.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt, a notorious disease affecting plants, tends to thrive in warm and sunny environments typical of southern climates. As a result, gardeners in these regions may notice their plants exhibiting telltale signs of infection, including drooping leaf stems and eventual plant mortality.
Mosaic Virus
The Mosaic virus is notorious for its ability to target a wide range of plant species, from garden favorites like tomatoes to industrial crops such as tobacco. While it may not be deadly in the classical sense, this viral infection can still have a significant impact on your plants’ productivity, often resulting in reduced or subpar yields.
Septoria Leaf Spot
Among the various fungal diseases that can affect tomatoes, septoria leaf spot stands out for its characteristic dark brown spots on infected leaves. This disease warrants attention alongside others like early blight and fusarium wilt. It’s essential to be aware of these potential afflictions, as a comprehensive understanding of tomato diseases can be found here. Interestingly, some nutrient deficiencies are frequently misdiagnosed as diseases, such as blossom end rot.
A thorough examination of the plant’s condition is crucial to determine the underlying cause of any issues.
Best Disease Resistant Tomato Varieties
When it comes to safeguarding your tomato plants against diseases, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. The key to making an informed decision lies in understanding the specific needs of the tomato variety you wish to grow (whether it’s a sauce, cherry, or slicing tomato) and the disease you aim to prevent. In this regard, selecting disease-resistant tomato varieties is a crucial consideration.
‘Early Girl’ – Fusarium Wilt
The ‘Early Girl’ hybrid boasts impressive fruit clusters, setting it apart from other varieties. One of its most notable features is its rapid maturation process, which allows for early harvesting – a crucial factor in minimizing the risk of disease. In fact, this variety reaches harvest readiness just 59 days after transplanting, making it particularly well-suited for growers seeking to avoid common wilt diseases such as fusarium wilt.
‘Rutgers’ – Verticillium Wilt
Rutgers, a renowned heirloom tomato variety, excels in both culinary applications: slicing and cooking. Hailing from New Jersey, its exceptional flavor profile is matched by the slightly flattened shape of its fruits. What’s more, Rutgers’ tall vines boast impressive disease resistance, shielding against fusarium and verticillium wilt as well as numerous other pathogens.
‘Cherokee Purple’ – Bacterial Speck
For those who appreciate the unique characteristics of heirloom tomato varieties, ‘Cherokee Purple’ is another notable cultivar worth exploring. Its fruit shares similarities with the renowned Brandywine tomatoes, boasting an exceptional taste and generous size. Originating from Tennessee, this variety is distinguished by its rich, full-bodied flavor profile.
‘Big Beef’- Tobacco Mosaic Virus
If gardening woes have you worried about the pesky Mosaic Virus, ‘Big Beef’ is a game-changer. This All-American Selections winner boasts a tried-and-true flavor profile in its impressive 12 oz tomatoes. The icing on the cake? Its robust growth habit ensures bountiful harvests all season long, no matter where you choose to cultivate it. What’s more, ‘Big Beef’ is renowned for its natural resistance to Mosaic Virus, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance option.
‘Southern Star’ – Tomato Spot Wilted Virus
When searching for ‘Southern Star’ tomatoes, you may also come across them referred to as BHN 444. This particular cultivar is distinguished by its globe-shaped appearance and exceptional flavor profile, accompanied by impressive yields. One of the notable advantages of growing ‘Southern Star’ is its resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus, a common issue affecting plants in southern states.
If left unchecked, this disease can have devastating effects on healthy tomato plants, causing them to become severely stunted or even killed. To avoid this potential problem, it’s wise to opt for varieties like ‘Southern Star’ that naturally possess this level of resistance.
‘Red Currant’ – Early Blight
The ‘Red Currant’ cherry tomato variety stands out with its abundant production of bite-sized fruits, ideal for adding a burst of flavor to crudites and salads. While the tomatoes themselves are diminutive, measuring only about half an inch in diameter, their concentrated taste more than makes up for their small size. These indeterminate plants boast impressive yields, delivering large clusters that simplify harvesting.
Moreover, they offer natural resistance to early blight, providing another advantage for gardeners.
‘Better Boy’ – Anthracnose
When it comes to growing ‘Better Boy’, one of its most significant advantages is its resistance to anthracnose, a disease that can be particularly devastating. However, this plant’s robustness doesn’t stop there. Its impressive fruit production is another major plus point. In fact, many of the tomatoes you’ll harvest will weigh in at over a pound each, with your yield starting mid-season and continuing right up until the first frost.
Furthermore, ‘Better Boy’ boasts excellent foliage coverage, which can help prevent sunscald from occurring in warmer climates, making it an all-around great choice for tomato enthusiasts.
‘Margold’ – Tomato Leaf Mold
Margold is another standout tomato cultivar that combines stunning appearance and exceptional disease resistance. Its unique blend of classic red-streaked yellow heirloom flavors and textures makes it a top pick for many gardeners. This indeterminate variety boasts remarkable immunity to tomato leaf mold, as well as other common issues like mosaic virus and verticillium wilt, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize disease-related problems.
When selecting varieties, take note of the seed packet or plant label to determine which diseases each cultivar is resistant to. While some gardeners may not have experienced issues with diseases in the past, others may find it beneficial to choose disease-resistant options. If you’ve struggled with a specific disease, be sure to check the labels and select varieties that provide some level of resistance.
Cherry Tomato
When it comes to cherry varieties, there’s a rich array of options to suit every gardener’s taste. From the classic Black Cherry and Cherry Buzz, to more exotic choices like Early Cherry and Gardener’s Delight, each one boasts its own unique characteristics. The Chocolate Cherry, for instance, offers a deep, dark flavor profile, while the Green Doctors Frosted Patio Choice provides a crisp, refreshing twist on the traditional cherry experience.
Other notable mentions include the Speckled Roman, which adds a pop of color to any garden, and the Suncherry Sweet, with its sweet, succulent taste. And for those looking for something a little more unusual, there’s always the Sunrise Bumblebee, which adds a touch of whimsy to any planting. Finally, the Sweet Gold and Sweet Million varieties offer a sweet and tangy combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Grape Tomato
The list of names includes a mix of vibrant and playful monikers, such as Aria, Crimson Star, Chocostar, and Jelly Bean. More subdued options like Red Lemon Star and Marzito San Vicente also make an appearance, alongside the romantic-sounding Valentine.
Plum Tomato
The list of names may seem like a random assortment, but each one holds significance in the world of heirloom tomatoes. Bellstar, Daytona, Early Resilience, Giant Garden, Health Kick, Heinz, Latino, Little Napoli, Monticello, and Santa Lucia are all varieties of this beloved fruit, each with its unique characteristics and growing requirements. San Marzano, in particular, is renowned for its sweet-tart flavor and low acidity, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
Slicer Tomato
The list of heirloom tomato varieties includes some impressive names, reminiscent of a cowboy’s rodeo exploits. Arbason, Better Bush, and Bush Champion are just a few examples that evoke the American West. Other standouts include Carolina Gold, Geronimo, Florida Early, and Goliath, which sounds like a mythical behemoth of a tomato. The Pink Brandywine, Red Pride, RuBee Dawn, Sunfresh, Soraya, Ultra Boy, Valley Girl, Volante, and Tough Boy all contribute to the rugged charm of this collection.
Top Gun, however, is perhaps the most aptly named heirloom tomato variety, evoking high-flying aerial stunts.
Preventing Tomato Disease in Other Ways
While it’s not too late to take action if you’ve already planted seeds, there are still many ways to keep your tomato plants healthy and prevent diseases. One effective method is to mulch your plants, which can help prevent soil-dwelling fungal spores from coming into contact with the plants, regulate soil moisture, and suppress weeds that can spread disease.
Additionally, practicing good watering techniques is crucial – make sure to water at the base of your plant rather than overhead, as this can reduce the risk of disease transmission. When watering, it’s also important to avoid allowing water and soil to splash onto the plant. If you suspect disease in your tomato plants, don’t hesitate to prune them – remove lower leaves and branches that are prone to touching the soil, which can harbor bacteria and fungi.
At the end of the growing season, be sure to thoroughly clean up any debris from your garden to prevent diseases from overwintering in the soil. By taking these steps, you’ll not only minimize the risk of disease but also create a healthy environment for your plants to thrive. As you plan for next year’s crop, consider rotating your tomato plants and growing disease-resistant varieties – there are many options available that can help you achieve success.
