SLS – Septoria Leaf Spot
Scientific Name: Septoria lycopersici
Type: Fungus
Septoria Leaf Spot is a soil-borne disease that affects the growth of tomatoes. It is one of the most destructive diseases of tomato foliage in wet and humid weather persists for extended periods. The symptoms include dark brown spots with tan or gray centers on the leaves, then the leaves turn yellow and brown and wilts. The disease can cause substantial yield loss and total crop loss. It is spread by farm equipment, tools, workers, wind, and water. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. The virus can live in plant debris and in the soil. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 60-80 F and usually occur when moisture and humidity are very high. Plan on using a 1 to 2 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, and can survive in the soil for 1 year. Apply fungicides at 7 to 10 day intervals can help manage the disease and will protect new leaves from becoming infected. Keep the fields weed free. Stake plants to improve air circulation. Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and avoid overhead irrigation. Mulching will reduce splashing soil, which may contain the disease.The best option is to use virus-free seeds and disease resistant varieties