My Vegetables Die Before They Ripen

Late Blight

• A type of oomycete pathogen is responsible for causing late blight in tomatoes and potato plants. These are the most common host plants, although this fungus can attack other varieties of garden plants. This type of fungus can travel from plant to plant through wind and water disbursement. Infected potato plants develop greasy, brown lesions on the bases of leaf stems and over clusters of leaves near the tips of the stems. The potato tubers develop black lesions with white edges. Tomatoes with this pathogen may form green fruits that begin to exhibit soft, greasy lesions, rather than ripening into red fruits.

Blossom End Rot

• Blossom end rot is similar to late blight, but tends to infect peppers and tomatoes more than potato plants. Like other fungal pathogens, this disease can appear in other varieties of garden plants, especially ones that grow close to the favored host plants. The lesions begin as small tan spots on the blossom end of the ripening fruits. As the lesions spread, they take on a leathery texture and turn black.

Causes

• Improper watering and nutritional deficiencies in the soil are the most likely causes of fungal diseases that affect fruit ripening in vegetable plants. Frequent rains or continual shallow watering increases the risk of fungus diseases. Low calcium levels in the soil and open wounds in stems and foliage can lead to the loss of vegetables prior to harvest. Crowded foliage that holds in moisture and reduces airflow plays a role in fungal diseases.

Treatment

• Fungicides can help protect your garden vegetables from fungal infections, although they work best when you apply them before the symptoms appear. Continuous coverage in areas prone to fungal diseases may be necessary to prevent the pathogens responsible for plant loss. Prompt removal of infected plants can help prevent the spread to healthy specimens. Do not place infected vegetation in the compost pile or areas where other plants grow.