University of Hawaii at Manoa
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Tomato - Late Blight or Phytophthora

Tomato late blight, phytophthora. Photo: Dr. W. Nishijima

Late Blight on tomato
Photo: Dr. Wayne Nishijima

Problem

Severe defoliation of plant, stem girdling and rot of fruit. Cool nights and warm days with lots of rain encourage this fungus.

Description

Look for water-soaked brown spots and wrinkled skin of fruit. Stems of plants also have water-soaked, discolored areas that turn brown and dry up.

Information

Phytophthora on tomato. Photo: Dr. W. Nishijima

Late Blight on tomato
Photo: Dr. Wayne Nishijima

Phytophthora infestans on tomato. Photo: Dr. W. Nishijima

Late Blight or Phytophthora infestans on tomato
Photo: Dr. Wayne Nishijima

Control

Control with fungicide.

Kendal Lyon, Hawaii Island Master Gardeners