Dealing with common tomato problems

Jenna Nees

No one enjoys dutifully tending to their garden all growing season and ultimately ending up with a poor tomato crop. Sadly, tomatoes can fall victim to a number of diseases and funguses that can impact the plant or the fruit itself. Additionally, there are a number of insects that can damage your tomato plants.

Typically, the No. 1 issue related to the fruit of the tomato plant deals with tomatoes that have sunken in, scarred bottoms. This problem is Blossom-end rot. Blossom-end rot is a dry, black, leathery scar on the blossom-end of the fruit brought on by a calcium deficiency. To prevent this, try to ensure your plant always has proper moisture.

Other common issues that impact the fruit are Fruit cracks, sunscald and catfacing.

Fruit cracks will usually occur during hot rainy periods when the fruit is exposed to the sun. Although the fruit does not look appealing, it can still be utilized.

Sunscald is when the fruit will first develop a yellow or white patch that will later blister and dry. This occurs when there is poor foliage cover, resulting in the fruit being exposed to sun. This often happens when the tomato plant has been pruned, staked improperly or you have sprawling plants. The best prevention for sunscald is to cage your plants when possible.

Catfacing is the puckering and scarring at the blossom end of the fruit. The cavities created by catfacing may penetrate deep into the fruit, making it impossible to eat. This is often caused by cool, cloudy weather when the plant is blooming or when some herbicides are used.

When it comes to insects impacting your tomatoes, the biggest culprit is the tomato hornworm. Tomato hornworms are green and white worms that are known for their protruding “horn.” They can be up to four inches long and are known for destroying the foliage of tomato plants and eating the green fruit. Please note that tomato hornworms are known to also feed on peppers, eggplants and potatoes. The best solution for a gardener is to take time and hand-pick/remove any tomato hornworms from their plants. Once removed, you can squish them, drop them in water or dispose of them in your preferred method.

If you would like to know more about tomato problems, feel free to view this short video developed in 2020 about tomato production: https://youtu.be/ODWhm1UJ-rk.

Purdue Extension-Putnam County staff also made videos related to:

• Use of tomatoes - https://youtu.be/DMGdISfT8Vk

• Use of berries - https://youtu.be/8jBRq47NoO4

• Growing berries - https://youtu.be/XxDzCKkjWY0

• Use of herbs - https://youtu.be/UMlJKcVlkHA

• Growing herbs - https://youtu.be/rO4M-K0D4Po

If you have any questions after viewing the videos, please contact Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or Abbi Sampson at sampsona@purdue.edu.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs.

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Sept. 5 – Labor Day holiday, Extension office closed

Sept. 9, 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Putnam County Fall Walking group, 9 a.m., Big Walnut Sports Park

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