Fungal disease
Tomato Early Blight
A common fungal disease that causes brown target-like spots on the lower leaves of tomato plants.
Symptoms
- Dark brown spots with rings, like a target, on lower leaves
- Yellowing around the spots, then leaves dying
- Dark lesions on stems and near the stalk end of the fruit
What causes it
The fungus survives in soil and plant debris and splashes up onto lower leaves in warm, humid weather.
What you can do
- Remove affected lower leaves and keep the bottom 30 cm of stem clear.
- Mulch to stop soil splashing onto the leaves.
- Water the soil, not the leaves, and water in the morning so any splashes dry quickly.
- Stake plants for air flow.
- Do not grow the same crop in the same spot next year; rotate beds for two to three years.
Not sure it's early blight?
Photograph one affected leaf and Plantulus will suggest the most likely problem, with a confidence score. It's free and needs no sign-up.
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General guidance only, not a diagnosis. Check product labels and local rules before using any treatment, and ask a horticultural specialist if a valuable plant is struggling. See the disclaimer.