Watch for leaf mold in greenhouse tomato production

Added on 13 July 2022

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Watch for leaf mold in greenhouse tomato production

Leaf mold occasionally appears in high tunnel or greenhouse tomato production. According to a Plant Pest Advisory from Rutgers University, the fungus will cause infection under prolonged periods leaf wetness and when relative humidity remains above 85%. If relative humidity is below 85% the disease will not occur. Therefore, proper venting of high tunnels and greenhouses on a regular basis is important.

The pathogen can overwinter as a saprophyte on crop debris or as sclerotia in the soil. Conidia (spores) of the fungus can also survive up to one year in the soil.

Leaves of infected plants will develop pale-green or yellow spots that are distinct. A dense, olive-green to brown spore mass will develop on the undersides of infected leaves.

Management of leaf mold begins with recognizing early symptoms, applying preventative fungicides, and removing all infected plant material from the field, greenhouse, or high tunnel, and crop rotation. Protectant fungicides used in weekly protectant spray programs will help control leaf mold. For organic growers, regular copper applications may help to suppress the disease.