Dried, powdery and gray tomato leaves: it could be botrytis!

No, it's not just ! If your tomato plants have leaves that look dry and gray in color with a powdery appearance, you may be facing another common problem in tomato crops: botrytis.

What exactly is botrytis?

Botrytis, also known as gray rot, is a fungal disease caused by a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. This fungus thrives in moist, favorable conditions, spreading rapidly through crops.

Symptoms of botrytis on tomatoes

To detect signs of the presence of botrytis on tomato plants, simply observe them. Affected leaves become dry, gray and crumbly. Brown, velvety spots may also form on fruits, stems and flowers. In general, the leaves are the first affected, then the stems and finally the tomatoes which end up rotting!

How to prevent and treat botrytis?

To prevent the appearance of botrytis, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around your tomato plants. Avoid excessive watering, especially at the end of the day, to limit humidity. Remove infected leaves and stems regularly to prevent the spread of the fungus. Yes, remains important, especially in a closed environment like in a greenhouse.< /p>

If botrytis appears despite your precautions, there are natural treatments to combat this disease. Horsetail decoction, nettle manure or even garlic maceration are effective solutions for treating botrytis while preserving your garden in a natural way.

Advice to limit the spread of botrytis

In addition to natural treatments, certain cultural practices can help you limit the spread of botrytis. Avoid touching your tomato plants when they are wet, this can encourage the transmission of the fungus. Choose varieties of tomatoes resistant to late blight to strengthen the health of your crops.

So stay alert for signs of the presence of botrytis on your tomato plants. Regular monitoring, adapted cultural practices and natural treatments will allow you to prevent and fight effectively against this fungal disease. Please feel free to share your own tips and experiences to help the gardening community protect their tomato crops from botrytis.