Still trying to figure out what is going on with this

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

So I took some pictures before and am not sure if these are better or not. Just trying to get a handle on whether this is something I am doing wrong or if I have some type of disease or bug issue. Hope someone can help and possibly give me some advice. There are still lots of tomatoes growing but I really would like it if they would mature and feed me.

So I am adding pictures and will await the wise tomato growers that I have come to like and respect on this site. I'm also just going to say it was my lucky day to come across this site. There is so much knowledge and willingness to help. Thanks for making me feel welcome and I appreciate any help you can provide.

Kim

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

I had a couple more pictures that I thought would be helpful

rnewste · August 17, 2011

Kim,

Couple of questions. What are the varieties in the pictures? What fungicide have you been spraying, and how often?

In photos 2 and 3, the bottoms of the tomatoes are exhibiting something called Blossom End Rot. This typically happens on initial fruit, then it clears up later in the Season.

In photo 4, it appears you have some leaf mildew or mold. Serenade will take care of that.

You may want to prune the bottom 12 inches of foliage around the base of the plants, as this will permit proper air circulation which will inhibit some types of fungal disease.

Raybo

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnewste

Kim,

Couple of questions. What are the varieties in the pictures? What fungicide have you been spraying, and how often?

In photos 2 and 3, the bottoms of the tomatoes are exhibiting something called Blossom End Rot. This typically happens on initial fruit, then it clears up later in the Season.

In photo 4, it appears you have some leaf mildew or mold. Serenade will take care of that.

You may want to prune the bottom 12 inches of foliage around the base of the plants, as this will permit proper air circulation which will inhibit some types of fungal disease.

Raybo

Most of the pics are Black Krim and Big Beef. 1 set bought at HD or Lowes and the other I grew from seed. Most of the first tomoatos that I planted (mostly from seed) are exhibiting various degrees of picture 4 (can't remember which plant that was and it is too dark to look now). I have been spraying Neem Oil once a week. In the first picture is it normal for the color of the tomatoes to be so different? The dark green just looks healthier to me but really I don't know. The difference is just very dramatic.

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

Raybo, I have 3 more tainers that I planted about 6 weeks ago, the plants are beautiful right now but very full. I have been spraying those with neem oil as well. I will give the bottoms a trim but is there anything else I should be doing? Is the neem oil the right choice for preventitive? Also, is Serenade the brand name or the ingredient? Can I find it at HD or Lowes or Hydroponic stores? Should I follow the instructions or is there a better/more effective way to use it?

Thanks again for your help.

Kim

rnewste · August 17, 2011

Kim,

Neem Oil works well against pests like Aphids - - it does very little vs. Fungal diseases. You can get Serenade at any Hydroponics Shop. Buy the Concentrate bottle and dilute the spray. It will last a lot longer versus the ready-to-use bottle.

Raybo

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

Thanks Raybo, I will pick some up and start using. Should I use it on the ones who are not showing any signs yet as a preventive measure? Or just the ones that look like they are affected?

rnewste · August 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpatrick925

Thanks Raybo, I will pick some up and start using. Should I use it on the ones who are not showing any signs yet as a preventive measure? Or just the ones that look like they are affected?

Yep, the "magic question".........

If you wait to start applications until you SEE damage - - it is TOO LATE! You need to commence preventative spraying for fungal management (yesterday).

I'm afraid that you can never reverse fungal damage, - - only slow its rate of growth over time. Get spraying immediately.

Raybo

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

Thanks!! I will pick it up today and start spraying and cross my fingers that nothing else gets it this season.

Thanks so much for your help!!

rnewste · August 17, 2011

A photo of the Serenade bottle is at the bottom of Page 20 in the Guide, for reference.

You have such beautiful plants now growing (yours look better than mine!!

) that it would be a shame for them to be lost to fungal issues.

Raybo

p.s. Some folks here also recommend Daconil (available at Home Depot). It is much more potent than Serenade - - so every grower needs to make their personal decision as to what they are happy with.

kpatrick925 · August 17, 2011

Thanks Raybo. I actually ordered some online and will swing by the Hydro store to get a bottle for now. I am trying to be as organic as possible so am hoping the Serenade works but am not opposed to going farther for the sake of my plants.

Is it ok to mix up the Serenade in the same sprayer that I have used for neem oil? I rinsed it out but didn't us soap so I'm not sure if there is anything that is not compatible.

rnewste · August 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpatrick925

T

Is it ok to mix up the Serenade in the same sprayer that I have used for neem oil? I rinsed it out but didn't us soap so I'm not sure if there is anything that is not compatible.

You should not have any chemical interaction between residual amounts of the Neem Oil, and Serenade. Keep us posted on how well the Serenade does in inhibiting the fungal issues.

Raybo

kpatrick925 · August 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnewste

You should not have any chemical interaction between residual amounts of the Neem Oil, and Serenade. Keep us posted on how well the Serenade does in inhibiting the fungal issues.

Raybo

Thanks Raybo. I will keep you posted!!

rsg2001 · August 17, 2011

I love Serenade... no chemicals. It works pretty well, but preventive spraying is key. I think Serenade also smells less bad than Daconil.

kpatrick925 · August 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsg2001

I love Serenade... no chemicals. It works pretty well, but preventive spraying is key. I think Serenade also smells less bad than Daconil.

Well the only thing I had to compare to was the neem oil and I have to say the Serenade really stinks in comparison.

LOL, I'm just hoping its worth it and when it drys it doesn't smell so bad. If not and it works it is worth the smell

August 17, 2011	#10
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	A photo of the Serenade bottle is at the bottom of Page 20 in the Guide, for reference. You have such beautiful plants now growing (yours look better than mine!!) that it would be a shame for them to be lost to fungal issues. Raybo p.s. Some folks here also recommend Daconil (available at Home Depot). It is much more potent than Serenade - - so every grower needs to make their personal decision as to what they are happy with.

August 17, 2011	#5
kpatrick925 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Lorenzo, CA Posts: 112	Raybo, I have 3 more tainers that I planted about 6 weeks ago, the plants are beautiful right now but very full. I have been spraying those with neem oil as well. I will give the bottoms a trim but is there anything else I should be doing? Is the neem oil the right choice for preventitive? Also, is Serenade the brand name or the ingredient? Can I find it at HD or Lowes or Hydroponic stores? Should I follow the instructions or is there a better/more effective way to use it? Thanks again for your help. Kim

August 17, 2011	#14
rsg2001 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Zone 6 Posts: 479	I love Serenade... no chemicals. It works pretty well, but preventive spraying is key. I think Serenade also smells less bad than Daconil.