The white leaves they represent a common problem among tomato growers, but fortunately there are effective solutions for treating affected plants.
In this article we will explore together how to address and resolve the phenomenon of white leaves on tomato plantsproviding practical advice and useful information to keep your crops healthy.
Why Tomato Leaves Turn White
The tomato plants they are among the most cultivated in gardens, but they are also very sensitive to cold and excessive exposure to the sun.
Because of their long growing season, people often start them indoors and then transplant them outside when the soil is warm enough.
One of the problems that can arise after transplanting is the change in color of the leaves towards white. This can be caused by sun damagevulnerability to Freddo o illnesses (usually fungal).
Damage from Sun Exposure
The most common cause of white leaves in tomatoes, especially in young, recently transplanted seedlings, it is exposure to intense sunlight.
Although i tomatoes need full sun to grow healthily, a sudden change from indoors to outdoors can cause one shock to plants, making them become white leaves.
Sunlight damage usually manifests itself as a white border on the leaves. The leaves they can curl and break, leaving little foliage on the plant. To avoid this problem, it is advisable to gradually accustom the seedlings to sunlight. Follow these steps:
- Leave the seedlings in the shade for a few days.
- Gradually move the plant outside on cloudy days.
- Gradually increase sun exposure for a couple of hours a day over the course of a week or two.
This process is called hardening. Also, if the area is windy, consider using windbreak to protect the seedlings.
Fungal Problems
In addition to environmental exposure, the white leaves in tomatoes they can be caused by fungal diseases, often due to excessive irrigation.
Too much water in the soil stimulates the fungal spores and it can cause root rot, alternaria o septoria leaf spotswhich appear as white spots surrounded by dark edges on the leaves.
To prevent these problems, water the seedlings deeply in the first three days after transplanting and then weekly (or every two weeks, depending on the climate), to encourage deep root development and discourage fungal spores.
Be one fungal disease is already present, use a fungicide specific for tomato plants.
Nutrient Deficiency
Another possible cause of white leaves in tomatoes it is a deficiency or excess of nutrients. The plant that they lack of nitrogen o of phosphorus they can show white leaves or yellowed.
Use a fertilizer for tomatoes containing these nutrients can solve the problem.
Furthermore, deficiencies of soccer o magnesium can cause whitening of the leaves, keeping the veins green. In these cases, apply the fertilizer appropriate or the lime to the garden can help correct the deficiency.
