Tomato: Sunscald
categories: Tomato Tomato Diseases Vegetables
revision date: 2022-12-07 12:00
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