Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects vegetable crops in different ways. Anthracnose of tomato plants has a particular set of symptoms that affects the fruits, often after they have been picked. Anthracnose is a serious problem with tomato plants, and it should be avoided if at all possible. Keep reading to learn more about tomato anthracnose symptoms and how to control tomato anthracnose disease.
Tomato Anthracnose Information
Anthracnose is a disease that can be brought about by a number of different fungi in the genus Colletotrichum. The fungus can infect both green and ripe fruit, though symptoms don’t appear until the fruit begins to ripen. Tomato anthracnose symptoms appear as sunken, watery spots on ripe fruits. As the spots grow, they sink into the fruit and darken in color. Sometimes spores appear as pink masses in the center of the lesions. As these lesions spread, they often join together and result in large rotten sections of fruit. This can occur when the fruits are still on the vine, or even after they have been harvested.
How to Control Tomato Anthracnose
Controlling tomato anthracnose comes mostly down to prevention. The fungal spores can survive the winter both in seeds and in diseased fruit. Because of this, it’s important not to save seeds from diseased fruit or to leave it in the garden at the end of the season. The spores spread more rapidly in moist environments, so keeping the fruit dry as much as possible is a good preventative practice. It can also enter damaged fruit much more easily, so every effort should be taken to keep from injuring the tomatoes. There are several anti-anthracnose fungicides available. These should be applied as soon as fruit is set, in order to keep the fungus from taking hold. Immediately remove and dispose of infected fruit to keep the spores from spreading. Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.
-
Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year RoundAfter reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
-
7 Perennial Herbs Perfect For Pots – Enjoy Aromatic Patio Harvests Year After YearDiscover the best perennial herbs to grow in pots. Ideal for small spaces, these low-maintenance plants offer year-round flavor and greenery on your patio.
-
Growing Tomatoes In Containers For BeginnersNothing says summer like homegrown tomatoes! Did you know you can grow tomatoes in pots? Click to learn how to grow tomatoes in containers.
-
Do-It-Yourself Floral Pumpkin CenterpieceCan you believe this pretty pumpkin centerpiece was made with just $13 worth of supplies? Plus, it was quick and easy.
-
9 Fun Things To Do With Pumpkins That Are Past Their PrimeWondering what to do with your pumpkin after the Halloween fun is over? Learn what to do with your pumpkins when you are done decorating with them.
-
How And When To Harvest Vegetables For The Freshest Flavor EverVegetable harvesting at the correct time can make the difference between flavorful and unpalatable produce. Here are some garden harvest tips to follow.
-
Tomato Verticillium Wilt Control – How To Treat Tomatoes With Verticillium WiltVerticillium wilt can be a devastating infection for a tomato crop. The best way to avoid it is to use resistant tomato varieties. It is also important to know the signs of the disease to avoid spreading it from one area of your garden to another. Learn more in this article.
-
How And When To Pick Hot Peppers For Peak Spiciness – Top Tips For A Hot HarvestSo you have a lovely crop of hot peppers thriving in the garden, but when do you pick them? There are several things to consider before you begin harvesting hot peppers. The following article discusses options for harvest and storage of hot peppers.
-
Tomato Fusarium Wilt: How To Control Fusarium Wilt On Tomato PlantsTomato fusarium wilt can be very destructive to home gardens. It is a fungal infection that invades the roots but causes yellowing and wilting in the plant above the soil line. With severe infections, you can lose a lot of tomato yield. Learn more in this article.
