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Old 28-07-2009, 05:48 PM posted to rec.gardens.edible
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Aug 2008
Posts: 221
Default Greenhouse Tomato disaster - help please


"rhino666" wrote in message
...

Hi

For the second year running my greenhouse tomatoes are struggling with
a vicious fungal infection. All the plants of different types seem to
be affected. The tomato flowers seem to be the problem. They go brown
and furry with spore ridden mildew like fungus, finally falling off and
infecting any leaf/stem they fall on. Quite often the healthy tomatoes
are not affected. Last year I ended up removing almost all the leaves
on the plants. This year I have been trying to remove the remains of
the flowers before they infect other parts of the plant.

I had hoped that last years problems were related to the really wet
weather but as this is happening again am at a loss as to the real
cause.



Without benefit of a visual, it certainly sounds like a fungal problem as
you guessed, most likely Gray Mold, and sounds like a carryover from last
year. As much as possible, keep stripping out the diseased parts as you
have to avoid spreading to the fruit. Try sulfur, powder( duster) or
wettable (spray). Neem oil can be effective, although usually not this
late in the game, some have not had much luck with Neem. There are many
other products that will also work well; Organic, Natural, as well as
Synthetic. Just make sure it is registered for tomatoes. I use both
Sulfur and Neem, starting with a sulfur for one applications x two weeks
and then Neem once every 7-10 days. I prefer not to burn Sulfur, but some
have good results with this method. BTW, spraying is not a evil thing. Do
you have fans? if not you should. Spread out your plants for good air
circulation . As much as possible, Avoid splashing the leaves and water
early to allow any wet leaves to dry out. At the end of this season it is
time to strip out the Greenhouse and disinfect EVERYTHING. A mild bleach
solution will work. Next year, use disease resistant plants, start a
preventive program early. One other thing, make sure you have a good pest
control, otherwise they will spread the mold around, Good luck.