Tomato pith necrosis has been found in the Nova Scotia greenhouse tomato crop this season.
Early symptoms of this disease include wilting of foliage and
chlorosis of older leaves. Dark brown to
black lesions develop on the surface of lower stems (Picture 1). Vascular tissue may be brown. Adventitious
roots may grow profusely from these symptomatic stems. It may resemble that of bacterial canker.
This disease may affect the fruit as well (Picture 2).
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| Picture 1 Tomato pith necrosis lesions on stem |
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| Picture 2 Tomato pith necrosis symptoms in fruit |
Growers should avoid using excessively high nitrogen rates, should not use
overhead sprinklers on field tomatoes, and remember to sanitize pruning shears. In field tomato, keep good crop rotation and
control volunteer tomato and nightshade weeds.
