Tomato: Sunscald

categories: Tomato Tomato Diseases Vegetables

revision date: 2022-12-07 12:00

Sunscald on tomato.
Sunscald on tomato
Photo by: F. Buajaila

Biology

Sunscald of tomato fruits frequently occurs in hot, dry weather, but may occur whenever green fruit is suddenly exposed to direct sun. The sunward side of green fruit develops a yellowish, light brown, or white leathery patch, which may become wrinkled or blisterlike as the fruit matures. On ripe tomatoes, the damaged areas appear as flattened, grayish-white patches with a papery texture. The spots are sometimes attacked by rot organisms, causing fruit decay.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Plant varieties with good foliage density.
  • Use care when pruning plants, so that fruits are not suddenly exposed to the sun.
  • Prevent or control diseases which cause leaf loss.

Chemical Management

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

  • None recommended

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