An update

stefanie1976 · June 17, 2013

I had posted before about something really wrong with my tomatoes, and received much advise.
I used a bleach spray - albeit somewhat more dilute than suggested (about 0.2%) - one evening.
One poster suggested contacting the local extension office, which I did, and the day after the bleach spray I brought in an entire plant that was the worst looking. He didn't think it was a virus, but pesticide drift. However, he also pointed out some evidence of insect damage to me (slugs and a small black bug) and also mites, and suggested to try a treatment for that, so I could give the plants some relief from the stress they were experiencing. So I went out and found a copper powder that also contained an insecticide and powdered my plants, figured I had nothing to lose at this point.
I have also for the last three days been going out every day and "tickling" my blossoms with an electric toothbrush - and let me tell you: it is so much fun, and my plants were giggling

After two more days of waiting - just this morning - I inspected all the plants and cut off whatever growth looked too badly damaged, dead, etc.

I saw a lot of new growth that looks perfectly normal - no curled leaves, no brown spots! To my biggest surprise, most of the new blossoms don't drop, and I saw two new tomatoes

I have one more plant that looks like it might not make it, but if that is it, I am more than happy.

Now comes the big question of upkeep. I don't want to go through this again!!
Should I use another application of bleach spray? I also found some more small webs that look like they could be from spider mites... what is a good way to get the last ones to move/leave my plants alone?

I truly appreciate everyone's help and want to give y'all a big thank you - from my tomato plants as well!

June 17, 2013	#1
stefanie1976 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2013 Location: Wilson, NC Posts: 13	An update I had posted before about something really wrong with my tomatoes, and received much advise. I used a bleach spray - albeit somewhat more dilute than suggested (about 0.2%) - one evening. One poster suggested contacting the local extension office, which I did, and the day after the bleach spray I brought in an entire plant that was the worst looking. He didn't think it was a virus, but pesticide drift. However, he also pointed out some evidence of insect damage to me (slugs and a small black bug) and also mites, and suggested to try a treatment for that, so I could give the plants some relief from the stress they were experiencing. So I went out and found a copper powder that also contained an insecticide and powdered my plants, figured I had nothing to lose at this point. I have also for the last three days been going out every day and "tickling" my blossoms with an electric toothbrush - and let me tell you: it is so much fun, and my plants were giggling After two more days of waiting - just this morning - I inspected all the plants and cut off whatever growth looked too badly damaged, dead, etc. I saw a lot of new growth that looks perfectly normal - no curled leaves, no brown spots! To my biggest surprise, most of the new blossoms don't drop, and I saw two new tomatoes I have one more plant that looks like it might not make it, but if that is it, I am more than happy. Now comes the big question of upkeep. I don't want to go through this again!! Should I use another application of bleach spray? I also found some more small webs that look like they could be from spider mites... what is a good way to get the last ones to move/leave my plants alone? I truly appreciate everyone's help and want to give y'all a big thank you - from my tomato plants as well!