{"id":54,"date":"2026-01-26T22:34:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T22:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/?p=54"},"modified":"2026-09-20T22:39:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T21:39:12","slug":"tomato-diseases-and-pests-identification-guide-with-images","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-diseases-and-pests-identification-guide-with-images\/","title":{"rendered":"Tomato diseases and pests: identification guide with images"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Tomato plants can be affected by diseases, pests and growing disorders that often produce similar symptoms. This guide will help you identify the most common tomato problems in the United States and choose the appropriate control strategy.\u00a0<\/strong>This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Disease Agents: Fungal Diseases<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Tomatoes are affected by a wide range of fungi and oomycetes that can cause significant damage. Below, in order of importance, we analyze the main diseases and the control measures used to prevent and manage them.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tomato Late Blight<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaf-1-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"tomato late blight on leaves.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaf-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaf-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaves-1-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"tomato late blight on leaves.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaves-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits_leaves-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits-1-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tomato late blight on fruit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tomato-Late-Blight_fruits-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"53\" data-end=\"184\">Late blight is a disease that affects tomatoes and potatoes. This plant disease is caused by the oomycete <em data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"183\">Phytophthora infestans<\/em>.The most typical symptoms appear on the leaves, where necrotic areas with a \u201cwater-soaked\u201d or \u201cboiled\u201d appearance and discoloration develop (see image above). Subsequently, on the underside of the leaves, a whitish mycelium resembling a fine white mold can be observed (see image above). This growth is a clear and unmistakable sign of late blight, as it indicates the presence of new zoospores ready to be released into the environment.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"850\">Symptoms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/how-to-control-and-prevent-tomato-late-blight\/\">tomato late blight<\/a> may also appear on stems and flower clusters, where dark, rotting-looking but firm lesions develop and can expand to envelop the entire stem. Sporulation on these affected organs is less common. Tomato fruits may also be affected, showing very characteristic symptoms. Both green and ripe fruits develop large lesions with a rough surface and bronze-colored reflections, similar to sunburn (see image above).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1295\">Environmental conditions such as rain, fog, and dew wet the leaf surface, and when these conditions persist for 10\u201312 consecutive hours combined with temperatures above 10 \u00b0C, they are considered high-risk factors for infection. Among the available control measures, the most effective remains the use of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/copper-based-products-in-agriculture-fungicide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">copper-based products<\/a><\/strong>. Copper treatments must be applied preventively, remembering to treat immediately after heavy rainfall when temperatures range between 10 and 25 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1700\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on the disease and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our complete technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/how-to-control-and-prevent-tomato-late-blight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato late blight (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1700\"><strong>Powdery Mildew<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3378\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3378\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3378 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/mal-bianco-oidio-pomodoro-sintomi-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Powdery mildew symptoms on a tomato leaf.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/mal-bianco-oidio-pomodoro-sintomi-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/mal-bianco-oidio-pomodoro-sintomi-690x462.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3378\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato leaf showing clear symptoms of powdery mildew. The disease is characterized by the presence of a white, powdery fungal growth on the leaf surface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"493\">The disease is caused by the fungus <em data-start=\"36\" data-end=\"56\">Leveillula taurica<\/em> and can affect several plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, including tomato, eggplant, and pepper, as well as cardoon and artichoke. Powdery mildew initially appears as chlorotic (lighter-colored) spots on the upper leaf surface, which over time develop into the characteristic white, powdery patches (see image above). These patches represent the external mycelium of the fungus, including its reproductive structures (conidia).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"728\">Control of powdery mildew (white mold) on tomato and other solanaceous crops consists of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/44cYH7j\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>sulfur-based<\/strong><\/a> treatments, applied at regular intervals of 7 days, reduced to 5 days in cases where the disease shows particularly high virulence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"897\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/powdery-mildew-of-tomato-symptoms-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato powdery mildew (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\">\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:7370e448-9556-4d61-8f0b-4c52e47684da-13\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-24\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Tomato Early Blight (Alternaria)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7184\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7184\" style=\"width: 367px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7184 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/symptoms-early-blight-tomato-367x462.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato leaf with advanced early blight damage\" width=\"367\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/symptoms-early-blight-tomato-367x462.jpg 367w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/symptoms-early-blight-tomato-357x450.jpg 357w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/symptoms-early-blight-tomato.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato leaf with advanced early blight damage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-7183 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/early-blight-tomato-485x462.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato leaf infected by early blight\" width=\"485\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/early-blight-tomato-485x462.jpg 485w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/early-blight-tomato-472x450.jpg 472w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/early-blight-tomato.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"176\">This fungal disease is caused by <em data-start=\"33\" data-end=\"52\">Alternaria solani<\/em> (syn. <em data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"77\">Alternaria porri<\/em> f. sp. <em data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"93\">solani<\/em>) and can affect both tomato and potato plants at early and advanced growth stages. In young plants, symptoms appear as more or less extensive necrotic lesions located at the collar area (the base of the stem). In mature plants, early blight causes necrotic spots on stems, leaves, and fruits. On leaves, the disease typically appears as concentric necrotic lesions surrounded by yellow halos (see image above). On fruits, large dark spots with slightly sunken concentric rings develop (see image above).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"767\">Control of <em data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"630\">Alternaria solani<\/em> is mainly preventive and agronomic, including long crop rotations, proper management of crop residues, and avoiding overhead irrigation. In organic farming, ongoing Alternaria infections can be managed with<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4gpw9ij\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">copper salt\u2013based<\/a><\/strong> products.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"1033\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/early-blight-of-tomato-and-potato-alternaria-solani\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato early blight (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-section-id=\"1afx7w7\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"22\"><strong>Septoria leaf spot<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8108\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8108\" style=\"width: 588px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8108\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Septoria_leaf_lycopersici-588x462.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato leaves showing symptoms of Septoria leaf spot.\" width=\"588\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Septoria_leaf_lycopersici-588x462.jpg 588w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Septoria_leaf_lycopersici-572x450.jpg 572w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Septoria_leaf_lycopersici-rotated.jpg 646w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8108\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato leaves showing symptoms of Septoria leaf spot. Photo from web<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"24\" data-end=\"808\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Septoria leaf spot is a common tomato disease caused by the fungus <em data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"113\">Septoria lycopersici<\/em>. Symptoms usually begin on the older, lower leaves as numerous small, circular spots with dark brown margins and pale gray or tan centers. Tiny black fruiting bodies, known as pycnidia, may be visible in the center of mature lesions. As the disease progresses, affected leaves turn yellow, dry out and fall prematurely, reducing photosynthesis and potentially exposing fruit to sunscald. Warm, humid conditions and prolonged leaf wetness encourage infection and disease spread. Remove infected leaves and crop debris, improve air circulation and avoid overhead irrigation. Crop rotation and preventive fungicide applications may also help manage the disease when permitted by the product label.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Damping-off (<em>Pythium)<\/em><\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7126\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7126\" style=\"width: 366px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7126 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-366x462.jpg\" alt=\"Baby spinach seedlings with evident root symptoms caused by Pythium\" width=\"366\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-366x462.jpg 366w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-357x450.jpg 357w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 366px) 100vw, 366px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7126\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Baby spinach seedlings with evident root symptoms caused by Pythium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7125 size-medium aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-damange-260x462.jpg\" alt=\"Baby spinach plants affected by Pythium\" width=\"260\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-damange-260x462.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-damange-253x450.jpg 253w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pythium-damange.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-center\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"412\">Plants attacked by fungi of the genus <em data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"47\">Pythium<\/em> initially show slowed growth and chlorosis. After a few days, leaf wilting begins to appear, especially during the hottest hours of the day. These symptoms temporarily disappear during the cooler hours, such as at night, but reappear in the following days with increasing severity until the plants completely collapse and dry out at ground level (see image above).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"541\">Examination of the root system of affected plants reveals severely damaged roots with evident dark-colored necrosis and drying.<em data-start=\"543\" data-end=\"552\">Pythium<\/em> species generally attack young seedlings and seedbeds, which is why this disease is commonly referred to as \u201cdamping-off of seedlings or nurseries.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"985\">Many <em data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"717\">Pythium<\/em> species are opportunistic pathogens and cause severe damage when specific conditions occur. Excessive irrigation and high temperatures are the main factors that trigger disease outbreaks. Excessive nitrogen availability also contributes to increased disease severity. For prevention, biofungicide formulations such as <em data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1050\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/trichoderma-biological-fungicide\/\">Trichoderma<\/a><\/em> can be used. Control is much more difficult once symptoms become visible, as the disease primarily affects young plants and damage is often already irreversible.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1389\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/pythium-seedling-and-nursery-damping-off\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1368\">Pythium<\/em>-induced damping-off (here).<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"24\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"24\">Tomato fusarium wilt<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"261\">The disease is caused by the pathogen <em data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"84\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-fusarium-wilt-fusarium-oxysporum\/\">Fusarium oxysporum<\/a><\/em> f. sp. <em data-start=\"92\" data-end=\"105\">lycopersici<\/em>. It is a serious disease that mainly affects professional farming operations, where high cropping intensity favors the spread and accumulation of inoculum. This fungal pathogen causes a tracheomycosis, meaning the blockage of the plant\u2019s vascular system. In the early stages of infection, plants show delayed growth and pale green leaf coloration. As the disease progresses, leaves begin to lose color and turn yellow, usually without affecting the entire leaf at once. Later, larger portions of the leaf blade turn brown and dry out (see image below).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5204\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5204\" style=\"width: 347px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5204 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-347x462.jpg\" alt=\"Fusarium wilt symptoms on a tomato plant.\" width=\"347\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-347x462.jpg 347w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-338x450.jpg 338w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/df3020e18d7577bac9cfcf60b76d3700-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5204\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fusarium Symptoms on Tomato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"318\">The key diagnostic symptom of <em data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"40\">Fusarium<\/em> infection is the browning of the vascular tissues, which can be observed by cutting the stem either transversely or longitudinally. Fusarium wilt is difficult to control once established; therefore, disease prevention through both technical and agronomic measures is essential. The removal and destruction of suspected infected plants is critical in order to reduce the inoculum potential in the field. The main preventive measures available include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/soil-solarization\/\">soil solarization<\/a> and the application of <em data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"546\">Trichoderma<\/em> to the soil.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"815\">In professional production systems, tomato varieties tolerant to the disease are available, as well as plants grafted onto resistant (or, more accurately, highly tolerant) rootstocks. Crop rotation remains an effective and recommended control strategy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"817\" data-end=\"983\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-fusarium-wilt-fusarium-oxysporum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato Fusarium wilt (here)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"817\" data-end=\"983\"><strong>Botrytis<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7100\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7100\" style=\"width: 384px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/botrytis-tomato.jpg\" alt=\"botrytis on tomato fruit\" width=\"384\" height=\"261\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7100\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fonte foto: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.invasive.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.invasive.org\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"352\">Also known as gray mold, botrytis attacks tomato fruits and flowers. On affected fruits, it appears as a gray-colored mold (see image above). Infected tissues lose turgidity, and the berries are irreversibly damaged and unmarketable. On flowers, the disease causes drying or flower abortion, followed by the development of the characteristic gray mold.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"555\">Botrytis can penetrate the plant either through the floral stigma, stimulated by secretions released by the flower, or by exploiting wounds of biotic origin, such as damage caused by <em data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"552\">Tuta absoluta<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"870\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Direct control of botrytis in organic farming can be achieved through the use of various biological plant protection products and corroborants. Among the commonly used products are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/copper-based-products-in-agriculture-fungicide\/\">copper salts<\/a>, kaolin, and zeolite, as well as microbial-based products such as <em data-start=\"817\" data-end=\"845\">Bacillus amyloliquefaciens<\/em> and <em data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"869\">Bacillus subtilis<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"870\"><strong>Tomato leaf mold<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-2-1-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"symptoms of tomato leaf mold caused by the fungus Fulvia fulva.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-2-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-2-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-1-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"symptoms of tomato leaf mold caused by the fungus Fulvia fulva.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-mould-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"394\">This disease is caused by the fungus <em data-start=\"37\" data-end=\"51\">Fulvia fulva<\/em>. The first symptoms appear on the older basal leaves, where chlorotic spots with poorly defined margins develop on the upper leaf surface. Corresponding to these areas, a characteristic olive-colored mold forms on the underside of the leaves (see image above), which is a clear sign of the development of the fungus\u2019s reproductive structures.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"623\">As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and merge, leading to the drying and death of the affected leaves. More rarely, flowers, stems, and leaves may also be affected, on which the fungus causes dark, leathery black rots.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"931\">The disease is favored by high relative humidity, optimal temperatures between 22 and 24 \u00b0C, and the presence of infected plant residues. It occurs mainly in greenhouse production, where prevention focuses on reducing these favorable conditions through proper ventilation and thinning or pruning practices.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1041\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/copper-based-products-in-agriculture-fungicide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Copper-based<\/a><\/strong> treatments used to control other diseases also have a preventive effect against cladosporiosis.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"38\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"38\">Disease Agents: Bacterial Diseases<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"149\">The main bacterial diseases affecting tomato crops are bacterial spot, bacterial speck, and bacterial canker.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"169\"><strong data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"169\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Bacterial Spot<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3184 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/maculatura-batterica-pomodoro-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Bacterial spot damage on tomato fruit.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"225\">Tomato bacterial spot is caused by a complex of closely related <em data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4673\">Xanthomonas<\/em> species, including <em data-start=\"4693\" data-end=\"4707\">X. perforans<\/em>, <em data-start=\"4709\" data-end=\"4727\">X. euvesicatoria<\/em>, <em data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4745\">X. vesicatoria<\/em> and <em data-start=\"4750\" data-end=\"4763\">X. gardneri<\/em>.\u00a0This plant disease manifests as small, pinpoint necrotic lesions with irregular margins, mainly observed on the underside of the leaves. On immature fruits, bacterial spot causes sunken necrotic lesions surrounded by a dark green halo (see image above). As the fruit matures, these areas darken further and may crack, leading to fruit deformation. For a complete technical description of the disease and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/bacterial-spot-of-tomato-symptoms-and-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>bacterial spot of tomato (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"225\"><strong>Bacterial speck\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3173\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3173\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3173 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-macchiettatura-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Symptoms of bacterial disease on a tomato leaf.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-macchiettatura-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-macchiettatura-690x462.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3173\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Symptoms of bacterial disease on a tomato leaf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3172\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3172\" style=\"width: 341px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3172 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-picchiettatura-341x462.jpg\" alt=\"Symptoms of tomato bacterial speck caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.\" width=\"341\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-picchiettatura-341x462.jpg 341w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-picchiettatura-332x450.jpg 332w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Sintomi-foglia-batteriosi-pomodoro-picchiettatura.jpg 653w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3172\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Symptoms of tomato bacterial speck caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"416\">The so-called bacterial speck of tomato is a disease caused by the bacterium <em data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"99\">Pseudomonas syringae<\/em> pv. <em data-start=\"104\" data-end=\"112\">tomato<\/em>. On tomato plants, it appears as small, dark spots with well-defined margins that initially develop on the underside of the leaves. Over time, these lesions darken, becoming necrotic and surrounded by a clearly visible yellow halo, which can also be observed on the upper leaf surface (see image above).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"689\">On fruits, bacterial speck causes slightly raised scabby lesions approximately 1\u20132 mm in diameter. This results in significant damage to fresh-market tomatoes, making them effectively unmarketable, while causing minor or negligible economic losses in processing tomatoes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"862\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/bacterial-speck-of-tomato-symptoms-and-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>bacterial speck of tomato (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"862\"><strong>Bacterial canker of tomato<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7101 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bacterial-canker-of-tomato-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Bacterial canker of tomato\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bacterial-canker-of-tomato-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bacterial-canker-of-tomato-360x241.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bacterial-canker-of-tomato.jpg 675w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"342\">Bacterial canker of tomato is caused by the bacterium <em data-start=\"63\" data-end=\"90\">Clavibacter michiganensis<\/em> subsp. <em data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"113\">michiganensis<\/em> and is among the most serious bacterial diseases affecting tomato crops. This disease manifests as wilting of the affected plants, as the bacterium invades the vascular tissues, causing blockage and impairment of their function. By cutting the stem or leaf petiole either transversely or longitudinally, browning of the vascular tissue can be observed (see image above). Even more characteristic are the symptoms on the fruit: on immature tomatoes, bacterial canker causes very small pinpoint necrotic lesions surrounded by a distinct white halo.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"1023\">There are no effective curative treatments for this disease; management is based almost entirely on preventive measures. Control involves removing infected plants at the first appearance of symptoms and destroying them away from healthy plants. Infected crop residues should not be incorporated into the soil, and crop rotations of 4\u20135 years should be adopted. Copper-based treatments are useful only in limiting the spread of bacteria and can help reduce bacterial speck and bacterial spot, but they are less effective against bacterial canker.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1383\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the disease and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/bacterial-canker-of-tomato\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bacterial canker of tomato (here).<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"27\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"27\">Disease Agents: Viruses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"271\">Tomatoes are affected by several viruses, many of which are difficult to identify for those without experience in plant pathology. In general, tomato viruses mainly express their symptoms on the leaves, and in some cases also on the fruits. Changes in leaf color toward pale yellow without tissue drying or mycelium formation, combined with tissue deformation or reduced plant growth, are clear indicators of a possible viral infection in tomato crops. It is not possible to cover all tomato viruses in this technical sheet; therefore, we will focus on the three most important ones.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"30\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"30\">Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"32\" data-end=\"353\">The first is ToMV, an acronym for <em data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"87\">Tomato Mosaic Virus<\/em>, which causes leaf yellowing and stunted plant growth. The leaves show a characteristic mottled pattern (hence the term \u201cmosaic\u201d) with light green patches (see image below). Leaves may also appear deformed or have curled margins. As a result, crop yield is reduced.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"501\">On fruits, the virus causes the formation of yellow rings on the fruit surface, along with uneven ripening, leading to a decline in fruit quality. This virus is transmitted through contaminated tools and equipment, as well as through cultural operations carried out by workers who have come into contact with infected plants.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5897\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5897\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5897 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/virus-mosaico-pomodoro-ToMV-1-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato Plant Showing Symptoms of Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV)\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/virus-mosaico-pomodoro-ToMV-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/virus-mosaico-pomodoro-ToMV-1-690x462.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5897\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato Plant Showing Symptoms of Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\">Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"332\">TSWV is the acronym for <em data-start=\"62\" data-end=\"89\">Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus<\/em>. It causes reduced plant growth and the appearance of conspicuous concentric yellow rings on the leaves, as well as orange rings on fruits during ripening (see image below). As a result, both fruit yield and quality are significantly reduced. The main vector of this virus is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/thrips-symptoms-damage-and-control-in-agriculture\/\">thrips<\/a> <em data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"406\">Frankliniella occidentalis<\/em>, which spreads the virus through its feeding activity.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7103\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7103\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7103\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TSWV-390x261-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TSWV-390x261-1.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TSWV-390x261-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7103\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo source: <a href=\"https:\/\/ucanr.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/ucanr.edu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>TYLCV, the acronym for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, causes the development of small leaves with interveinal discoloration and upward curling of the leaf margins (see image below). Infected plants show stunted growth, resulting in significantly reduced yields. The main vector of this virus is the insect <em>Bemisia tabaci<\/em>, commonly known as the greenhouse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/whitefly-greenhouse\/\">whitefly<\/a>. Through its feeding punctures, it infects tomato plants and transmits the virus.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7104\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7104\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7104\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Tomato-yelllow-leaf-curl-virus.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus\" width=\"200\" height=\"253\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7104\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">fonte foto:<a href=\"https:\/\/ipm.ifas.ufl.edu\/agricultural_ipm\/tylcv_home_mgmt.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> ipm.ifas.ufl.edu.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1249\"><strong>Most common fungicides available online<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/correct-use-of-sulfur-fungicide-in-agriculture\/\">Sulfur<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43B7MGW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/44cYH7j<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Copper: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4gpw9ij\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4gpw9ij<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Bacillus subtilis: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4vhK6DH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4vhK6DH\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/potassium-bicarbonate-fungicide\/\">potassium bicarbonate<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4we0MMz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4we0MMz<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Trichoderma: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3S3aIK1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/3S3aIK1<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/chitosan-in-crop-protection\/\">Chitosan<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43FYAB3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/43FYAB3<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 1.6em;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"40\">Damage Agents: Insects and Nematodes<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"81\"><strong data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"81\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Tomato Leaf Miner (<em data-start=\"63\" data-end=\"78\">Tuta absoluta<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/tomato-leaf-miner\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tomato fruit showing entry holes and a Tuta absoluta larva.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-672x450.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-360x241.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tomato leaves showing mines caused by Tuta absoluta.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms-672x450.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms-360x241.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tomato-leaf-miner-symptoms.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"294\">It is an insect (a lepidoptera) that arrived in Europe between 2007 and 2009 and has since become one of the most feared and damaging pests of tomato crops. The young larvae cause damage by penetrating fruits, leaves, and more rarely stems, where they create tunnels or mines (see image above). Leaf damage is characteristic and represents a clear sign of the presence of this pest, as the larvae form feeding galleries that are initially serpentine and later expand (see image above). Affected leaves become necrotic, while damaged fruits are unmarketable and highly susceptible to secondary rots and gray mold (<em data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"624\">Botrytis<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"628\" data-end=\"1132\">Control of <em data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"654\">Tuta absoluta<\/em> relies on both chemical treatments and agronomic practices. Among the most important physical control measures are the use of insect-proof nets and mass trapping with pheromone traps. The most effective control of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-leaf-miner-tuta-absoluta\/\">tomato leaf miner<\/a> infestations is achieved through the use of insecticides. Biological active ingredients effective against this pest include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/natural-pyrethrum-an-insecticide-used-in-agriculture\/\">pyrethrum<\/a>, pyrethroids <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4xvb107\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>(View an example)<\/strong><\/a> <em data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1046\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/bacillus-thuringiensis\/\">Bacillus thuringiensis<\/a> <\/em><strong>(<\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4emfrhj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Here is an example product<\/a>)<\/strong>, and, finally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/spinosad-insecticide\/\">spinosad<\/a>, which has proven to be the most effective active ingredient.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1300\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For a complete technical description of the insect and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-leaf-miner-tuta-absoluta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato leaf miner (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1300\"><strong>Potato aphid<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2907\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2907\" style=\"width: 629px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2907 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/afide-del-pomodoro--629x462.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato aphid colony on a tomato leaf.\" width=\"629\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/afide-del-pomodoro--629x462.jpg 629w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/afide-del-pomodoro--613x450.jpg 613w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/afide-del-pomodoro-.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2907\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato aphid colony on a tomato leaf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"266\">It is an aphid scientifically known as <em data-start=\"39\" data-end=\"63\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/potato-and-tomato-aphid-macrosiphum-euphorbiae\/\">Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/a><\/em>. The potato\/tomato aphid is typically green in color, which allows it to camouflage among tomato and potato leaves (see image above), although red-colored individuals may also occur within this species.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"574\">Damage is caused by the aphid\u2019s feeding activity: by sucking plant sap, it leads to plant weakening and the production of honeydew. When young shoots are attacked, they may become deformed and fail to develop properly. In addition, <em data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"524\">Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/em> is capable of transmitting several plant viruses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"576\" data-end=\"924\">In professional agriculture, this aphid is commonly controlled using treatments based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/azadirachtin-neem-oil-insecticide\/\">azadirachtin<\/a> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/449tXEg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">(Neem oil)<\/a><\/strong> and pyrethrum. In hobby gardening or home vegetable gardens, natural control methods include the use of potassium soft soap mixed with a vegetable oil. At the end of the article, a list of commercial products useful for aphid control is provided.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"926\" data-end=\"1176\">In greenhouse production, biological control can be implemented through the release of beneficial insects. Effective natural enemies include <em data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1087\">Chrysoperla carnea<\/em> and the parasitoid <em data-start=\"1107\" data-end=\"1122\">Aphidius ervi<\/em>, both available from commercial biocontrol suppliers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1329\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on this insect and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/potato-and-tomato-aphid-macrosiphum-euphorbiae\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>potato aphids (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1329\"><strong>Thrips<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/thrips_damage_on_tomato_plant-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Adult thrips and related damage on a leaf.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/thrips_damage_on_tomato_plant-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/thrips_damage_on_tomato_plant-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adult_thrips_on_tomato_leaf-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Adult thrips on a leaf.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adult_thrips_on_tomato_leaf-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adult_thrips_on_tomato_leaf-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"217\">Thrips are small insects that, as adults, can reach approximately 1.4 mm in length. The most important species causing damage to tomatoes and vegetables in general are <em data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"183\">Thrips tabaci<\/em> and <em data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"216\">Frankliniella occidentalis<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"806\">Plant damage is caused by the insects\u2019 feeding behavior. Both adults and immature stages have piercing\u2013sucking mouthparts. Thrips damage affects the entire aboveground (aerial) part of the plant. In addition to feeding damage, injury is also caused by oviposition, as eggs are laid inside plant tissues, creating wounds. Thrips damage on leaves appears as depigmented areas that take on a silvery appearance and later become necrotic (see image above). Leaf curling is also observed, eventually leading to leaf drying. These symptoms are due to toxic substances present in thrips saliva.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"962\">Significant indirect damage must also be considered, as thrips are vectors of several viruses, including the highly dangerous <em data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"961\">Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"964\" data-end=\"1433\">Special attention is required with these pests because initial damage is often mild and difficult to detect, but infestations can escalate rapidly. The use of chromotropic traps is an agronomic strategy employed to reduce thrips populations. Commercially available blue, highly adhesive plastic films sold in rolls can be placed along crop rows to create what is known as mass trapping. Thrips are attracted to the blue color and become trapped on the adhesive surface.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1795\">Control with natural insecticides requires intervention even when only a few individuals are detected, using products based on azadirachtin and spinosad, often combined with mineral or paraffin oils. In protected cultivation, biological control can be applied through the release of beneficial insects, including the effective predatory bug <em data-start=\"1776\" data-end=\"1794\">Orius laevigatus<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"2052\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on this insect and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/thrips-symptoms-damage-and-control-in-agriculture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>thrips (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"20\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"20\">Tomato russet mite<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"418\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><em data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"43\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-russet-mite\/\">Aculops lycopersici<\/a><\/em>, also known as the tomato rusett mite, is a phytophagous mite that causes serious damage to tomato plants and is particularly difficult to identify for those without specific experience. It feeds on the cell contents of the plant, causing affected leaves and stems to develop a bronzed or rust-like appearance, followed by progressive yellowing and necrosis (see image below).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5656\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5656\" style=\"width: 502px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5656 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/eriofide-pomodoro-fusto-e1734901948941-502x462.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato russet mite symptoms on the stem.\" width=\"502\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/eriofide-pomodoro-fusto-e1734901948941-502x462.jpg 502w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/eriofide-pomodoro-fusto-e1734901948941-489x450.jpg 489w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/eriofide-pomodoro-fusto-e1734901948941-768x707.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/eriofide-pomodoro-fusto-e1734901948941.jpg 862w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5656\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato stem showing symptoms of tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) on the left, with typical bronze discoloration. Healthy plant on the right, showing the characteristic bright green coloration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"249\">The damage is caused by extremely small mites, approximately 0.15\u20130.2 mm in length, which are visible only with the aid of a hand lens or a microscope. This type of damage is often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies or abiotic stress\u2013related drying.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"251\" data-end=\"576\">The main symptom used to identify the presence of this mite is the change in color of the plant stem, which shifts from the bright green typical of tomato plants to a bronze coloration. Microscopic examination or careful observation with a good magnifying lens allows the detection of adult mites moving on the plant surface.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"657\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/correct-use-of-sulfur-fungicide-in-agriculture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Sulfur-based<\/strong><\/a> treatments are effective in limiting the development of this mite <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3SGewRn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">(Example product)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"817\">For further information on tomato rust mite and additional management options, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/tomato-russet-mite\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tomato russet mite (here)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"931\"><strong data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"931\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Cotton leafworm<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-damage-on-tomato-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Damage caused by Spodoptera littoralis on tomato\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-damage-on-tomato-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-damage-on-tomato-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-larva-on-flower-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Larva of Spodoptera littoralis on zucchini flower\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-larva-on-flower-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spodoptera-littoralis-larva-on-flower-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"430\"><em data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"23\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/the-egyptian-cotton-leafworm-spodoptera-littoralis\/\">Spodoptera littoralis<\/a><\/em>, commonly known as the cotton leafworm, is a pest whose larvae can attack tomato crops. The larvae feed on leaf blades and may also damage flowers; however, the most economically significant damage occurs on tomato fruits. The larvae bore tunnels inside the fruits (see image above), which subsequently leads to rotting caused by secondary pathogens. Affected fruits are unmarketable.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"993\">In organic pest management, it is essential to monitor adult flight activity using sex pheromone traps. Once the presence of eggs or larvae in the field is confirmed, control measures should be implemented. The most effective treatments are those based on <em data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"712\">Bacillus thuringiensis<\/em> subsp. <em data-start=\"720\" data-end=\"730\">kurstaki<\/em>, which is particularly effective against early larval stages. When older larvae are present, natural insecticidal products based on pyrethrum extract or azadirachtin can be used. Products based on spinosad also remain effective against this lepidopteran species.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1138\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on this insect and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/the-egyptian-cotton-leafworm-spodoptera-littoralis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>cotton leafworm (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1940\">Tomato fruitworm (<em data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1937\">Helicoverpa zea<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The tomato fruitworm, also known as the corn earworm and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/cotton-bollworm-helicoverpa-armigera-identification-and-control\/\">cotton bollworm<\/a>, is one of the most important caterpillar pests of tomatoes in the United States. Larvae feed directly on developing fruit, creating deep cavities that make tomatoes unmarketable and expose them to secondary decay organisms. Another similar insect is <em data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"173\">Helicoverpa armigera<\/em> (formerly <em data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"204\">Heliothis armigera<\/em>), commonly known as the cotton bollworm.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"585\">It is a highly polyphagous insect and is widespread throughout the north america, where it is considered one of the most dangerous pests affecting tomato cultivation. This species feeds on a wide range of host plants, including maize, vegetable crops, and various ornamental plants. The larvae show great color variability, ranging from pale green to dark brown.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"1050\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Newly hatched larvae feed on plant tissues such as leaves and stems; later, they tend to penetrate tomato fruits, where they seek shelter and continue their development (see image below). Their ability to penetrate fruits is generally greater than that of <em data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"866\">Spodoptera littoralis<\/em>, with which they may be confused. Due to their tendency to attack fruits and their capacity for migration in certain years, tomato fruit bore can cause particularly severe infestations.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5208\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5208\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5208 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-Figure2-1-390x261.png\" alt=\"Tomato fruitworm larvae on a tomato.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-Figure2-1-390x261.png 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-Figure2-1-690x462.png 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Damage from theTomato fruitworm\u00a0 (Helicoverpa spp.). Photo source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semanticscholar.org\/paper\/Occurrence-of-Helicoverpa-armigera-(Lepidoptera%3A-on-Pratissoli-Lima\/0ab6d98c8f8a829f991419af7cab2d30aa3daee7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">semanticscholar<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"280\">Once the presence of eggs or larvae of the moth has been confirmed in the field, control measures should be implemented. The most effective treatments are those based on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4xFxUyf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"194\">Bacillus thuringiensis<\/em> subsp. <em data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"212\">kurstaki<\/em>,<\/a><\/strong> which is effective against larvae at early developmental stages.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"482\">When older larvae are present, natural insecticidal products based on pyrethrum extract or azadirachtin can be used. The most effective active ingredient against this lepidopteran species is spinosad.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"484\" data-end=\"650\">In any case, treatments should be repeated over time at intervals of 5\u20137 days, alternating active ingredients, as egg laying generally occurs over an extended period.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"800\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on this insect and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet on tomato <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/cotton-bollworm-helicoverpa-armigera-identification-and-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tomato fruit bore (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"800\"><strong>Whitefly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7158\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7158\" style=\"width: 616px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7158 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid-616x462.jpg\" alt=\"Adult of whitefly and a puparium on nymph\" width=\"616\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid-616x462.jpg 616w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid-100x75.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/whitefly-adult-aleyrodid.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7158\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adult of whitefly and a puparium on nymph<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7105\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7105\" style=\"width: 690px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7105 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/white-fly-tomato.jpg\" alt=\"Adult whiteflies on the undersides of tomato leaves.\" width=\"690\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/white-fly-tomato.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/white-fly-tomato-672x450.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/white-fly-tomato-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/white-fly-tomato-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7105\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adult whiteflies on the undersides of tomato leaves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"414\">Among the various whitefly species (Aleyrodidae), the two most important in horticulture are <em data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"158\">Trialeurodes vaporariorum<\/em> and <em data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"179\">Bemisia tabaci<\/em>. The adult whitefly resembles a small gnat (hence the common name \u201cwhitefly\u201d) and is no more than 2 mm long. It has two relatively large wings that cover the entire body, leaving only the yellow-colored head visible (see image above).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"787\">The nymphs appear as small, oval-shaped plates and may show tufts of hairs or setae of varying prominence (see image above). Damage is mainly caused by the honeydew produced by the nymphs, which coats leaves and fruits, leading to product depreciation, reduced photosynthetic activity, and the development of sooty mold (the growth of saprophytic fungi on leaf surfaces).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"928\">Whiteflies are particularly dangerous because they transmit several viruses, including the highly damaging <em data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"927\">Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"1240\">Control of this pest includes the use of yellow chromotropic sticky traps, which are useful both for detecting whitefly presence in the field and for supporting direct control, as many adults are captured by these traps. The active ingredients that can be used include summer oils, pyrethrum, and azadirachtin.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1463\">The most effective biological control is provided by the parasitoid <em data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1328\">Encarsia formosa<\/em>, which is more active against <em data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1386\">Trialeurodes vaporariorum<\/em>, and <em data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1412\">Eretmocerus mundus<\/em>, which is more effective against <em data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1462\">Bemisia tabaci<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1563\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on this insect and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our full technical data sheet <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/whitefly-greenhouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>whitefly control (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"453\"><strong>Two-spotted spider mite<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_463\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-463\" style=\"width: 616px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-463 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ragnetto1-616x462.jpg\" alt=\"Two-spotted spider mite damage on a leaf, showing characteristic discoloration.\" width=\"616\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ragnetto1-616x462.jpg 616w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ragnetto1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ragnetto1-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ragnetto1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-463\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Two-spotted spider mite damage on a leaf, showing characteristic discoloration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"453\"><em data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"59\">Tetranychus urticae<\/em> is the scientific name of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/two-spotted-spider-mite\/\">red spider mite<\/a>, also known as the two-spotted spider mite. Damage caused by red spider mites primarily affects the leaves and, if not controlled, can lead to plant death. In infested areas, mobile forms of the mite and their excrement (small dark spots) can be observed. In cases of heavy infestation, the affected plant parts become covered with a fine webbing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"731\">Damage caused by red spider mites is clearly visible through leaf discoloration, which results in a loss of gloss on the upper leaf surface. The affected areas subsequently progress to necrosis, passing through a phase in which the damaged tissue takes on a bronze coloration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"1278\">Among the active substances used to control red spider mites are vegetable oils and paraffin oil. These products create an asphyxiating film on the surface of the mite\u2019s exoskeleton and its eggs, causing death by suffocation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/correct-use-of-sulfur-fungicide-in-agriculture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Sulfur<\/strong><\/a> acts as a repellent and helps make the plant less attractive to the pest. The use of natural enemies such as the predatory mites <em data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1120\">Phytoseiulus persimilis<\/em> and <em data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1147\">Neoseiulus californicus<\/em>\u00a0produces positive results, especially in protected environments (greenhouses), and is effective in eliminating early infestations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1385\">At the end of the article, you can find a list of commercial products useful for red spider mite control.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1538\">For further information on this pest and additional control strategies, we invite you to consult our complete technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/two-spotted-spider-mite\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">two-spotted spider mites (here).<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1563\"><strong data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1563\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Root-knot nematodes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id='gallery-12' class='gallery galleryid-54 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/root-knot-nematodes\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Root-knot-nematodes-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nematode damage on carrots.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-12-7117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Root-knot-nematodes-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Root-knot-nematodes-672x450.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Root-knot-nematodes-360x241.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Root-knot-nematodes.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-12-7117'>\n\t\t\t\tYoung carrot seedlings attacked by nematodes. Note the gall formations on the roots.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/roots-damaged-nematodes\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Roots-damaged-nematodes-390x261.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nematode damage on plant roots.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-12-7118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Roots-damaged-nematodes-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Roots-damaged-nematodes-360x241.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Roots-damaged-nematodes.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-12-7118'>\n\t\t\t\tYoung carrot seedlings attacked by nematodes. Note the gall formations on the roots.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"288\">The damage is caused by several species of nematodes that are invisible to the naked eye. The most important ones in horticulture belong to the genus <em data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"201\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/root-knot-nematodes\/\">Meloidogyne<\/a><\/em> spp., and the most representative species attacking tomato is <em data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"287\">Meloidogyne incognita<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"719\">Damage is visible on the roots. Nematode infestation causes cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, leading to the formation of rounded swellings on the roots, commonly referred to as galls (see image above). These galls can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters (see image above). Affected plants show reduced growth, leaf yellowing, and increased susceptibility to water stress due to damage to the root system.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"1296\">The most effective strategy against nematode infestations is prevention through long crop rotations and soil solarization. Among natural control methods, biofumigation can be used, which involves incorporating selected brassica species with high production of nematicidal metabolites into the soil. Garlic extracts also have nematicidal activity and are commercially available. In addition, nematodes are preyed upon by various microorganisms, including the fungus <em data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1210\">Paecilomyces lilacinus<\/em> and the bacterium <em data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1246\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/bacillus-firmus-nematicide\/\">Bacillus firmus<\/a><\/em>, for which commercial formulations are available.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1639\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For further information on nematodes and additional management options, we invite you to consult our complete technical data sheet on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/root-knot-nematodes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>root-knot nematodes (here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2793\"><span id=\"Most_common_insecticides_available_online\"><strong>Most common insecticides available online<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contact insecticide:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4a3z78e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4a3z78e<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bacillus thuringiensis:<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4xFxUyf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u00a0https:\/\/amzn.to\/4xFxUyf<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Neem-oil: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4a4mcTy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4a4mcTy<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Horticultural oil-insecticide: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4aFfOlV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4aFfOlV<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Pyrethrum:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eqNwMX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eqNwMX\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"27\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"27\">Physiological Disorders<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"322\">Several physiological disorders affect tomato crops, many of which are difficult to diagnose without adequate agronomic knowledge. The main ones are caused by nutritional deficiencies or imbalances resulting from temperature and humidity conditions that are not fully controlled by the grower.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"429\">Let us focus on the two main physiological disorders of tomato: blossom-end rot and magnesium deficiency.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"457\"><strong data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"457\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Tomato Blossom-End Rot<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3918\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3918\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3918 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/marciume-apicale-del-pomodoro-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato blossom-end rot.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/marciume-apicale-del-pomodoro-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/marciume-apicale-del-pomodoro-690x462.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3918\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fonte foto: <a href=\"https:\/\/cultivategarden.com\/those-rotten-tomatoes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cultivategarden.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"240\">Tomato blossom-end rot occurs due to a lack of calcium available for plant uptake. Fruits with large size or elongated shape are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include rotting or drying of the blossom end of the fruit (see image above).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"731\">In addition to calcium deficiency, the disorder may be caused by excessively high growing temperatures, which lead to rapid fruit growth that the plant cannot support with adequate calcium supply. In greenhouse production, one possible solution is to reduce internal temperatures. Excessive fertilization with potassium and magnesium negatively affects calcium uptake, as these nutrients act as antagonists at the absorption level; therefore, their application should be carefully managed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"905\">In addition to supplying adequate amounts of calcium through repeated fertigation, foliar treatments with calcium nitrate or calcium chelates can be applied when necessary (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3SGeMjj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View an example<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"1000\">For further information, consult our complete technical data sheet on tomato blossom-end rot.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1026\"><strong data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1026\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Magnesium Deficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6677\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6677\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6677 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/carenza-magnesio-pomodoro-1-390x261.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato leaves showing typical symptoms of magnesium deficiency.\" width=\"390\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/carenza-magnesio-pomodoro-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/carenza-magnesio-pomodoro-1-360x241.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6677\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomato leaves showing typical symptoms of magnesium deficiency.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"405\">Magnesium deficiency in tomato leaves appears as irregular spots located between the leaf veins. The veins, especially the central vein, remain green (see image above). Symptoms develop on the older leaves, mainly in the basal part of the plant. This occurs because magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, and when it is deficient, the plant reallocates it from older leaves to younger ones.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"583\">As the deficiency progresses, the interveinal spots become necrotic, with initial symptoms appearing along the leaf margins. Eventually, the affected leaves dry out completely.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"931\">Magnesium deficiency can be corrected through foliar applications of magnesium-based products, typically magnesium sulfate <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4uxbpsf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">(View and example)<\/a><\/strong>, or more commonly in combination with calcium, followed by soil fertilization with the same element. Care should be taken not to overapply magnesium to the root zone in order to avoid antagonistic effects on calcium uptake.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1082\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In professional farming systems, another option is to supply magnesium together with other micronutrients using commercial professional formulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tomato plants can be affected by diseases, pests and growing disorders that often produce similar symptoms. This guide will help you identify the most common tomato problems in the United States and choose the appropriate control strategy.\u00a0This article contains affiliate links. 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