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Early blight (Alternaria tomatephila) may occur in structures where tomatoes and other solanaceous crops are planted in ground beds without rotation or near open sidewalls. Leaf, stem, and fruit symptoms may occur. Foliar lesions are tan-to-brown with concentric ring patterns. Older leaves are usually affected first, but the disease will spread to newer growth under favorable conditions. Extensive blighting and loss of foliage can result. Fruit lesions are brown-to-gray, with a concentric ring pattern and often occurring at the stem end of the fruit.

Early blight on tomato foliage in planting.

(Photo: Kenneth Seebold, UKY)

Close-up of early blight lesions.

(Photo: Emily Pfeufer, University of Kentucky)

Close-up of early blight lesions.

(Photo: Kenneth Seebold, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Rotate to non-solanaceous crops.
• Apply labeled fungicides at regular intervals.

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