How to identify and get rid of tomato septoria disease: effective remedies and alternative methods of treatment

Tomatoes, like any living organisms, can get sick. One of the most common cultural diseases is septoria. The disease spreads in record time and destroys crops, destroying both bushes and fruits.

The disease is widespread not only in Russia. What is septoria and what treatment methods are most effective, we will consider further.

What is this disease

The people of tomato septoria are called "white spot"... Small spots of a gray-white hue are formed on the leaves, around which a brown rim appears. Basically, the disease affects tomatoes that are grown in the open field, but there are cases of the disease and greenhouse tomatoes. The causative agent of septoria is fungal spores.

reference... White spot is also common in Ukraine and Belarus. Like other fungi, outbreaks occur during rainy years and especially hot times.

How does it affect tomatoes

Mostly young bushes are infected with the fungus. In tomatoes, leaves begin to dry out, development slows down. Most of the nutrients are spent on rebalancing, and new fruits are formed weak and small. As a result, the yield is reduced by 30-40%.

Symptoms and external signs

You can learn about septoria by its characteristic features:

• many small watery spots of 2-3 mm;
• in a short time, the spots begin to turn white;
• the appearance of a reddish-brown rim, which later becomes brown;
• the formation in the center of the spots of a large number of black pycnidia (fruit bodies of asexual sporulation of fungi);
• as a rule, only the leaves are affected, the top of the plants remains intact.

Important! Together with the above-described signs, yellowing of the unaffected areas of the leaf appears. If the fungus does not affect the leaves, but the petioles and the stem, the spots become oval and more intense in color.

Reasons for the appearance and infection

As with many fungal infections, the main cause of infection lies in improper care. Let us consider in more detail what other conditions contribute to the rapid and unhindered development of the fungus.

Causative agent of the disease

The causative agent of white spot is a special type of fungus Septoria, which penetrates the tomato and forms a colorless mycelium there. Further, the disease spreads through spores. Once on the plant, they penetrate deep into the bush through the cuticle. This is how the spread of septoria begins. The sources of the disease are plant debris that have retained these spores.

Terms of distribution

White spot spreads quickly if the summer is hot and humid.

That is why experienced gardeners recommend not to overmoisten the soil and monitor the frequency. watering... It is also important to direct the stream of water exactly under the root so that moisture does not get onto the stem or leaves.

Plus, the maximum development of septoria is manifested in rains and strong winds. The incubation period is about 1-2 weeks, however, with an excess of water, the spores develop many times faster.

How and what to treat

If you find the first signs of septoria, immediately start treatment.

Chemicals

First of all, spray the beds with fungicides. These are substances that inhibit the development of fungi.

The most effective drugs that can prevent the further development of the fungus and preserve the harvest:

1. «Fundazole".It has a healing effect, which manifests itself during the first three days. For the next 7 days, the medicine retains its protective function. Not phytotoxic, but should not be overused. Effective for use both in early spring and late autumn. Combines well with other drugs. However, in no case should Fundazol be mixed with alkaline solutions and lime.
2. «Ordan". Does not cause addiction in the fungus, it is used not only for treatment, but also for prevention. Compared to other fungicides, it has a longer action. Comes in powder form, which can be purchased at any gardening store. Dilute and apply the product exactly in accordance with the attached instructions.
3. «Previkur". It is used at various stages of cultivation. In addition to treatment, "Previkur" has a beneficial effect on the root system and has a positive effect on the overall development of the bush. It is used as a spraying agent and also as an addition to irrigation.

There is a widespread belief that fungicides are not safe for humans and that vegetables processed with them should not be eaten. However, this is erroneous, since if all the recommendations and directions for use are followed, the drugs do not pose any threat to our health and life.

Traditional methods

From folk recipes are actively used bordeaux solution... A mixture is made from water, lime and soda. The drug has a therapeutic effect, and is used as a prophylaxis at the stage of planting seedlings.

For working with Bordeaux liquid be sure to have gloves, goggles and a respirator ready. Spraying should be done at least 2 weeks before harvest.

The composition should be sprayed carefully, during work it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke. It is not recommended to carry out the procedure if precipitation is expected. The liquid is effective, retains its therapeutic effect for 1 month.

Agrotechnical techniques

Farmers use the following agricultural practices:

1. Removing and burning plants that are completely infected.
2. Collection and timely disposal of plant residues. Remember that the remains of the grass must be burned and in no case be used as fertilizer for the future harvest. It is best to clean in the fall. First of all, you need to burn the tops and fallen leaves.

Important! Strong and developed bushes are the least affected by septoria. Therefore, it is recommended to create favorable conditions for the development of tomatoes at the seedling stages. Remember about timely watering, loosening the earth, mineral and organic fertilizing. The more nutritious the soil, the stronger the culture's immunity.

Preventive measures

Treat the beds with prophylactic agents for fungal infections. For example, the above Bordeaux liquid or copper sulfate solution is suitable for this. Also use Revus.

Spraying should be organized at intervals of 7-10 days. Unlike copper sulfate, "Revus" is non-toxic, safe for both tomato and humans.

As a preventive measure, other fungicides are also used, for example, "Fitoverm" or "Lazurit T". You can apply in one of the following ways:

1. Etching... Seeds are processed before planting seedlings or planting in the ground.
2. Spraying - should be carried out several times per season.
3. Soil application during watering periods.

Gardener tips

Gardeners are advised to monitor the amount of nitrogen-containing top dressing... The fact is that nitrogen is very important for the health and development of the bush. Therefore, its lack often entails negative consequences.

If the bushes lack nitrogen, then arrange feeding based on ammonium nitrate or urea. However, do not overuse with nitrogen, its excess also does not represent anything good.

If a tomatoes grow in a greenhouse, do not forget to regularly ventilate the structure. High humidity and heat are the first "helpers" in the development of most fungi. Fresh air is important for both young seedlings and mature plants. Use vents to ventilate the greenhouse.

Highlight a bright and warm place in your garden, tomatoes love it. Avoid damp or low-lying areas, especially if there is groundwater nearby. Dig up the garden in the fall, remove all weeds and debris, and burn them. It is recommended to plant tomatoes in the beds after zucchini or pepper.

Pay special attention to prophylaxis with Oxyhom. Its main component is copper. In addition to tomatoes, cucumbers, hops and even grapes are processed with it. Since Oxyhom is a hazardous substance, you should wear protective clothing and gloves before working with it. In addition to the prevention and treatment of septoria, Oxyhom is able to fight other diseases.

Conclusion

White spot is easier to prevent than cure. Therefore, farmers devote a lot of time to the prevention of tomato septoria. Fortunately, both professional drugs and folk advice come to the rescue. The basic rule is that the remains of last year's plants must be burned, as they can become carriers of the causative agent of septoria.

In addition, do not forget to follow the agrotechnical rules for care. Watch the watering and feeding regime. It is better to alternate mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizers, so the tomato will receive more nutrients.