Tomatoes are perhaps the most popular vegetable crop in our area. Of course, in terms of the number of vegetables grown of this species, we do not reach the same Italy, but nevertheless the production volumes inspire some respect ...
It is not surprising that in recent years,
tomato diseases have become more common
: leaves are twisted, fruits rot ... In a word, there are many unpleasant phenomena that any gardener must fight, because otherwise you can be left without the whole crop.
External environment
So what disease symptoms are twisting? Immediately, we say that far from all cases, the cause is some pathology or pests. Where more often this happens due to too high temperature in the greenhouse. Check the temperature regime: if your tomatoes are “fried” during the day, and cool down to sub-zero temperatures in the morning and evening, then you should not expect anything good.
Viruses
But nevertheless, there are also diseases of tomatoes: leaves curl when the crop is damaged by some virus. Look carefully at them: if there is a strong enlightenment in the area of the veins, then with a high degree of certainty we can speak specifically about the virus.
Unfortunately, in this case you can’t do anything. You will not have to collect seed material from damaged tomatoes (however, almost no one is engaged in this anyway).
As a rule, the so-called "tomato cancer" causes such symptoms. If the lesion is severe, then all plants must be removed. After that they are burned. In the case when you are too lazy to do this, you will never get rid of this
tomato disease. Do the leaves curl even after that?
It is sad, but the greenhouse will have to be moved to another place. But if there is simply no such opportunity? Then you have to resort to a complex and expensive disinfection of the internal surfaces of the structure, remove the soil a meter in depth and replace it with fresh.
Pests
But there are other, not so dangerous tomato diseases? Leaves curl when they are chosen to feed aphids. Again, look at the stems and leaves. If small black dots are noticeable even with the naked eye, then this is aphid.
It is easiest and safest to remove it with wood ash or tobacco dust. In the case of ash, pollination should be carried out as regularly as possible, but one should not be too zealous, since chemical burns to the leaves are possible.
If biological methods do not help, you can purchase pesticides, many produced by the modern chemical industry.
How to prevent?
Surely you understand that the protection of tomatoes from diseases should involve not only active action in the event of a defeat, but also preventive measures.
First, you only need to buy seed from trusted suppliers. In no case do not get seeds on the "collapse". In addition, do not grow tomatoes in one place for decades! This approach is a sure way to ruin the entire crop.
In addition, all tomatoes whose diseases and pests are common in our country are often “adapted” only for domestic varieties and varieties. Change the varietal composition often, giving preference to F1 hybrids.