Is This Septoria Leaf Spot?

lmyer · July 24, 2011

Will appreciate a definite ID of this disease that has shown up on my tomatoes this year - they are Marglobe Improved from Shumways (I started from seed). The disease has appeared in a brand new garden (formerly part of my lawn) where a lot of Miracle Grow Garden Soil was used to prepare - don't know if there is any connection with the use of this soil. I think too late to get it stopped this year as about 1/4 of the leaves on 30 huge plants are affected and a lot of the lower leaves are already brown and dried up. Tomatoes appear to be OK so far and are bearing heavily. Eggplants planted next (and touching) the tomatoes have yellow lower leaves, but are also bearing heavily and seem to be doing fine. Hot peppers planted next and touching the tomatoes appear absolutely unaffected by this disease and also bearing heavily.

Looking towards next year and trying to control it. I hope it is Septoria and not early blight, as I understand that Septoria is not a soil inhabitant and is not so likely to winter over if the plant debris is removed. Man, growing a garden here in Indiana in sandy fill dirt in my development sure seems to be a lot more difficult than it was when I was a kid on an Iowa farm back in the 70's.

Any comments on how my plants were likely infected, and how to control?

Thanks in advance,

Les Myer

July 24, 2011	#1
lmyer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 3	Is This Septoria Leaf Spot? Will appreciate a definite ID of this disease that has shown up on my tomatoes this year - they are Marglobe Improved from Shumways (I started from seed). The disease has appeared in a brand new garden (formerly part of my lawn) where a lot of Miracle Grow Garden Soil was used to prepare - don't know if there is any connection with the use of this soil. I think too late to get it stopped this year as about 1/4 of the leaves on 30 huge plants are affected and a lot of the lower leaves are already brown and dried up. Tomatoes appear to be OK so far and are bearing heavily. Eggplants planted next (and touching) the tomatoes have yellow lower leaves, but are also bearing heavily and seem to be doing fine. Hot peppers planted next and touching the tomatoes appear absolutely unaffected by this disease and also bearing heavily. Looking towards next year and trying to control it. I hope it is Septoria and not early blight, as I understand that Septoria is not a soil inhabitant and is not so likely to winter over if the plant debris is removed. Man, growing a garden here in Indiana in sandy fill dirt in my development sure seems to be a lot more difficult than it was when I was a kid on an Iowa farm back in the 70's. Any comments on how my plants were likely infected, and how to control? Thanks in advance, Les Myer