Typically, tomatoes have bright green leaves, indicating a healthy and happy plant. But as many gardeners know, that's not always the case. If you notice white spots on the leaves of your tomatoes, it's important to identify the cause of the problem so you can take the right steps. Otherwise, this can lead to delayed growth, lower productivity or death of the tomato plant.
Tomatoes white spots on leaves
If you see white spots on tomato leaves, it may be an indication of diseaseor a pest infestation. The spots can appear on the top or bottom of the leaves. That's why it's important that you first research the possible causes before taking any action, as you could treat the disease inappropriately and make the situation worse.
Powdery mildew is the most common cause
Powdery mildew is the most common reason why tomato plants develop white spots on their leaves. This disease is caused by various types of fungi and is not easy to avoid as it is often transmitted by air currents and insects.
Powdery mildew is unlikely to kill the plants, but it can reduce the overall yield and alter the flavor of the tomatoes. To avoid this, as soon as you notice the white spots, you should treat the infection with one of the effective onestreat with natural methods.
Late blight damages tomato plants
Late blight is a serious disease that can cause major damage to your tomato plants. It occurs primarily in areas with cool and humid weather and causes the leaves of the tomato plant to die. But before that happens, signs such as white or brown spots appear on the infected leaves. If you notice such symptoms, you should cut off the affected leaves and under no circumstances add them to the compost.
Sunburn causes white spots
Another cause of the white spotson the tomato leavesis sunburn. The problem most often occurs in seedlings when they are transplanted outside. Tomato plants need a lot of sun to grow, but a sudden change in their environment can shock them and cause the plant's foliage to turn white.
Sun damage looks more like a white border and leaves curling.
To avoid sunburn, do not place your plants in full sun and if you move them from indoors to outdoors, first place them in the shade for a few days.
Low temperatures can be the cause
Tomato plants are sensitive to low temperatures. When temperatures drop beyond optimal growing conditions, the tomato plant responds by closing the cells of the tomato leaves to protect them and retain heat. This causes the white spots on the tomato leaves. Leaving the plant unprotected outside in low temperatures can cause major damage and the white spots on the leaves are just the first symptom.
Tomatoes white spots on leaves due to lack of nutrients
The composition of the soil has great importance for the health of plants. Tomato plants that are deficient in certain nutrients may exhibit whitening or yellowing of the leaves.
When there is a lack of magnesium and calcium, the leaves turn white, although the leaf veins retain their green color. You can fix this problem by using abalanced natural fertilizeruse that is rich in the necessary substances.
Pest infestation caused by stink bugs
Infestations of certain pests can also cause tiny white spots on the leaves of tomatoes that are so annoying that they are impossible to get rid of. These spots appear fibrous and hard. Applying neem oil to the leaves rids the plant of these insects and your plant can thrive healthily again.
How to prevent white spots on tomato leaves?
Preventing white spots on tomato leaves is much easier than treating them. By following these tips, you can not only prevent this but also avoid other problems with your tomato plants.
- When watering the tomato plants, remember not to get the leaves and stems wet or they will be more susceptible to disease and sunburn.
- Regularly remove dead plants and leaves to avoid providing a habitat for annoying pests.
- Control weeds in the garden as they provide shelter for pests and deprive tomatoes of water, nutrients and sunlight.
- Leave enough space between tomato plants so they can grow properly.
- Plant tomato varieties that are resistant to the most common diseases in your area.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture to avoid root rot and other problems.
- Fertilize the tomato plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
