DIFFERENT KINDS OF TOMATO BLIGHT AND HOW TO TELL THEM APART
At least two common tomato problems are referred to as tomato blight and another one is often thrown into the same mix: early blight, late blight, and Septoria leaf spot.
They’re each caused by different funguses. You can tell these three problems apart by what they look like, what parts of the tomato they affect, and when their symptoms appear. But the good news is this: all three can be treated and controlled similarly with biofungicides or fungicides and by practicing good preventative care.
|
|
Early Blight |
Late Blight |
Septoria |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo |
 |
 |
 |
Cause |
fungus: Alternaria solani |
fungus: Phytophthora infestans |
fungus: Septoria lycopersici |
Characteristics |
Dark, concentric spots ¼ – ½” on lower leaves and stems.Spots on fruit near stems.Lower leaves yellow and drop. |
Blue-gray spots on leaves which turn brown.Dropped leaves.Irregular brown, greasy spots on fruit.White mold rings on spots. |
Small black or brown spots on the lower leaves.Lower leaves yellow and drop. |
Parts affected |
leavesstemfruit |
leavesstemfruit |
leavesstem |
Timing |
early- to mid-seasonin wet weather |
mid- to late-seasonin wet weather |
early- to mid-seasonin wet weather |