Fungal disease
Tomato Septoria Leaf Spot
A fungal disease that peppers tomato leaves with many small round spots, starting low on the plant.
Symptoms
- Many small, round spots with dark edges and grey or tan centres
- Tiny black dots in the centre of the spots
- Lower leaves yellowing and dropping, then the problem moving up
What causes it
The fungus survives on plant debris and splashes onto leaves in warm, wet weather.
What you can do
- Remove affected lower leaves.
- Mulch around plants and water at the base.
- Do not grow the same crop in the same spot next year; rotate beds for two to three years.
- Clear fallen leaves and plant debris at the end of the season, where the disease survives winter.
Not sure it's septoria leaf spot?
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.