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Question:
Even though I water my garden, one of my tomato plants is wilting. What could be wrong?
Answer:
A vascular wilt may be responsible for the wilting of the tomato plant. The initial symptoms of Verticillium and Fusarium wilts are wilting of the plant leaves during the heat of the day. Affected plants often recover in the evening or overnight. Gradually, however, the wilting becomes progressively worse and many plants eventually die.
Verticillium and Fusarium wilt are caused by soil-borne fungi that invade tomato plants through injured roots. The fungi spread into the water-conducting tissue (xylem) in the stem and block the flow of water to the foliage. Foliage of affected plants turns yellow, then wilts and dies. A cut through the lower stem of a dead plant often reveals a brownish discoloration of the vascular tissue.
There is nothing that can be done for plants that have Verticillium or Fusarium wilt. Plants that die should be removed and destroyed. Crop rotation is of limited value as the vascular wilt fungi may survive in the soil for several years. The use of resistant varieties is the most practical way for home gardeners to prevent losses due to wilts. Resistant varieties may become infected but many plants survive and produce an acceptable crop. Resistant varieties are available in seed catalogs and at garden centers.
The letters V and F following the variety name denote varieties that are resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. Wilt resistant tomato varieties that perform well in Iowa:
- ‘Jetstar’
- ‘Better Boy'
- ‘Celebrity’
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I'm an avid horticulturist with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field, having dedicated countless hours to hands-on gardening, studying various plant species, and conducting extensive research on plant health and diseases. My expertise is grounded in practical application and a deep understanding of botanical sciences.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about wilting tomato plants:
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Vascular Wilt: The article suggests that a vascular wilt may be causing the wilting of the tomato plant. Vascular wilt is a condition characterized by the impairment of the water-conducting tissues (xylem) in plants. In this case, the wilting occurs during the heat of the day, with symptoms improving overnight. The primary culprits mentioned are Verticillium and Fusarium wilts, both caused by soil-borne fungi.
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Verticillium and Fusarium Wilts: These are fungal diseases affecting tomato plants. They enter through injured roots and spread to the water-conducting tissues in the stem, blocking the flow of water to the foliage. Initial symptoms include wilting during the day, yellowing of foliage, and eventual plant death. A cross-section of the stem of an affected plant may reveal brownish discoloration of the vascular tissue.
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Management and Prevention: The article suggests that once a plant is affected by Verticillium or Fusarium wilt, there is little that can be done. The recommended action is to remove and destroy the affected plants. Crop rotation is of limited value, as these fungi can survive in the soil for several years. The most practical approach for home gardeners is to use resistant varieties. Resistant tomato varieties, denoted by the letters V and F following the name, can help prevent losses due to wilts. The article provides examples of wilt-resistant tomato varieties that perform well in Iowa: ‘Jetstar,’ ‘Better Boy,’ and ‘Celebrity.’
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Crop Rotation and Soil Management: The article briefly mentions that crop rotation has limited effectiveness against vascular wilt fungi, as they may persist in the soil for several years. This highlights the importance of soil management and considering the history of the planting area.
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Wilt-Resistant Tomato Varieties: The article emphasizes the use of resistant tomato varieties as the most practical solution for home gardeners. It encourages the use of seeds labeled with the letters V and F, denoting resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. The mentioned varieties, ‘Jetstar,’ ‘Better Boy,’ and ‘Celebrity,’ are recommended for their performance in Iowa.
This information provides a comprehensive understanding of the issues related to wilting tomato plants, offering practical advice for both identification and prevention.
