Tomato Sleuths: Need Help Identifying Problem

Swimmer149 · May 3, 2013

Hello all,
A couple of my tomato plants that I put outside about a week ago have started to develop this scraped-away looking blemish on the undersides of some of the leaves, and one of the plants has it on its stem too. I'm terrified that it is a contagious disease or fungus, but I don't want to tear the plants out unless I absolutely have to. I would REALLY appreciate any thoughts on what might be causing it. They are both brandywine plants, and I'm in zone 7A.
Thank you in advance,
Heather

RayR · May 3, 2013

I would associate scraping under the leaves with insects of some sort.

Simone · May 3, 2013

I am sorry to tell you but you have russet mites.
These rusty colour, this white crystal texture ... there is no doubt.

I fought 2012 so hardly against them and this year two. And if you will not react suddenly it will infect you your whole tomatoes.

I wanna show you my blog. I know it is in German but on the pics you can see the infections (on the stem, on the leaves): ==>here

Simone

May 3, 2013	#3
Simone Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Germany, NRW Posts: 225	I am sorry to tell you but you have russet mites. These rusty colour, this white crystal texture ... there is no doubt. I fought 2012 so hardly against them and this year two. And if you will not react suddenly it will infect you your whole tomatoes. I wanna show you my blog. I know it is in German but on the pics you can see the infections (on the stem, on the leaves): ==>here Simone Last edited by Simone; May 3, 2013 at 06:25 PM.

May 3, 2013	#2
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	I would associate scraping under the leaves with insects of some sort.