Question
I USE A COPPER MIX SPRAY AND TRY TO PULL OFF AS MANY INFECTED LEAVES I CAN BUT THE PLANTS ARE DEAD LONG BEFORE THE GROWING SEASON IS OVER.
I ROTATE THE CROPS BUT THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE EVERY YEAR.

Answer
David, copper, like most fungicides, is excellent at slowing the process of most fungus diseases.  However, once certain diseases infest the plant, the disease can spread rapidly, and often can be fatal to the plant.

Although some diseases are airborne, most are soilborne.  Once a disease is in the soil, it is next to impossible to eradicate without taking extreme measures.

Some gardeners choose to not plant in an infected area for several years.  Since most of us have small areas in which to garden, this is not practical.

My advice is to sterilize the soil.  To do so, you need to cover the soil with black plastic for 6-8 weeks.  The heat that builds up in the soil will kill the disease.  It would have been ideal to begin this process in the fall for spring preparation.  But, unfortunately, you have little choice but to cover the area in early spring.  This should still leave you enough time to plant in early summer.

You should also purchase plants that are resistant to soilborne diseases.  These are hybrids that are bred specifically for taste, harvest, and disease resistance.  Most catalogs and seed companies list the various varieties on their websites, detailing which diseases to which they are resistant.

Attached are a few websites that you can review.  These companies offer free catalogs with numerous varieties of tomatoes that will fit your needs.

http://www.parkseed.com/
http://www.burpee.com/
http://www.harrisseeds.com/
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/

I hope this information helps.  Sterilize the soil, plant disease resistant varieties, and rotate your crops every year, and you should eliminate the problem.

Regards,

Mike