Late blight is a gardener's nightmare. This insidious disease can destroy a tomato crop in a matter of days.
However, don’t despair: there are ways to save tomatoes even after they have been infected with late blight.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, reminded summer residents of the most important thing.
Recognizing symptoms
The first step in combating late blight is timely detection of the disease. An attentive gardener will notice characteristic signs: brown spots on leaves, stems and fruits.
Leaves begin to curl and dry out, and hard, dark areas appear on the tomatoes. In high humidity, a white coating forms on the affected areas.
Urgent measures
When the first signs of late blight are detected, it is necessary to act quickly and decisively. Affected parts of plants should be immediately removed and burned.
It is important to carry out this procedure in dry weather to prevent the spread of spores. After pruning, the tools are disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate or alcohol.
Fungicide treatment
The key step in saving tomatoes is fungicide treatment. Copper-based preparations, such as Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride, effectively combat late blight.
Spraying is carried out in dry weather, thoroughly covering all parts of the plant, including the underside of the leaves.
Folk methods
In addition to chemicals, you can use folk methods. A solution of whey or skim milk helps strengthen the immunity of plants.
A decoction of horsetail also has an antifungal effect. These remedies are used as a preventative measure or at the first signs of the disease.
Improving growing conditions
For successful resuscitation of tomatoes, it is necessary to create unfavorable conditions for the development of late blight.
It is necessary to improve the ventilation of greenhouses and hotbeds, thinning out dense plantings. Watering is carried out only under the root, avoiding water getting on the leaves. Mulching the soil helps to maintain optimal moisture.
Feeding and care
Plants recovering from late blight require special care. Regular fertilization with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers strengthens the immunity of tomatoes.
Excess nitrogen during this period can provoke a new outbreak of the disease. It is important to maintain optimal temperature and air humidity.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
