Tomato anthracnose is a fungal disease primarily seen on ripe fruit. It may sometimes affect leaves. Leaf symptoms are most common on older leaves, which show small, dark spots surrounded by a yellow halo. Fruits may be infected while green, but symptoms are seen on ripe fruit. Infected fruits initially show circular, sunken, water-soaked spots. The spots enlarge to about 1/2" in diameter and become darker. They often show concentric ring markings around a tan center. Dark specks may be present on the tan area. During damp weather, masses of salmon-colored spores may develop on the surface of the lesion. The fungus frequently overwinters on diseased plant debris and can also infect other crop and weed species. Wet soils favor disease development.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Plant in well-drained soils.
Avoid overhead irrigation.
Rotate crops on a three- to four-year cycle to avoid fungus surviving in the soil. Do not plant tomatoes in the same location each year.
Remove plant debris from the garden. Destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased plant materials.
Control weeds in and around the garden.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply according to label directions.

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

Bonide Copper Fungicide Spray or Dust RTU [Organic]
Active ingredient: basic copper sulfate | EPA reg no: 4-58
Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Conc.
Active ingredient: chlorothalonil | EPA reg no: 60063-9-4
GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Conc
Active ingredient: chlorothalonil | EPA reg no: 67572-82-71004
Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Conc
Active ingredient: chlorothalonil | EPA reg no: 239-2522
This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Images

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Caption: Tomato anthracnose Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense