Late tomato blight, is a deadly and highly contagious plant pathogen that affects both tomatoes and potatoes. While not dangerous to humans, late tomato blight is deadly to plants.
The fungus, Phytophthora infestans, translated means "plant destroyer." It produces spores that can fly on the wind to spread the disease over great distances, which can devastate crops.
Symptoms to look for:
- Brown spots or lesions on tomato plant stems or leaves
- Water-soaked lesions on leaves
- If the weather is wet or humid, white spores may be visible on the undersides of leaves or at the edges of the lesions
- On tomatoes you may see large, brown, leathery-looking bruises and lesions. These are often found on the sides or top of the tomatoes
To dispose of an infected plant:
DO NOT COMPOST INFECTED PLANTS!
To best prevent the spreading of spores, put a black plastic garbage bag over the infected tomato plant, then pull tomato plant out by the roots. Make sure entire plant is in the bag and seal it. To kill the pathogen, so it can't spread, leave the bag in the sun. Then dispose of the bag, preferably directly into landfill.
