Question
QUESTION: Is there any way to get blight out of the soil after it has been introduced? Our garden is organic, so we want to skip the chemicals.

ANSWER: Lynda:
There are more than one "blight" that can attack tomato. Both are quite different from the other. Do you know the name of the fungus? This would help me answer your question much better.



Steve

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QUESTION: Steve,  No, I don't know the type.  Didn't realize there was more than one.  How can I determine what I'm dealing with?

Lynda

ANSWER: Lynda:
The most common blights that we might see here in Arkansas are Early Blight or Late Blight. Both can produce leaf spots that look somewhat different. One of your best resources to get an accurate diagnosis is to contact your local county Agricultural Extension office ( all states have a county Ag office)and arrange to carry in the part of the plant that is representative of the "symptoms" that you are seeing.  For example, if you are seeing spots or yellowing on the leaves, select some leaves.  If the plant is wilting, best to carry in the entire plant (dig up carefully-leave soil attached to the roots- put roots and soil in a plastic bag). You might also carry in a plant or the appropriate part to your local garden center or nursery for these folks to look at as well. If you are unable to find your local AG office, you can email me with the state and county in which you live and I can try to find out a phone number for you to call.

STeve

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QUESTION: Steve
Our plants are wilting without much in the way of the yellow and black spots that I have seen before.  How about if you give me a solution for both and I'll take it from there.   Thanks
Lynda

Answer
Lynda:
Many plant problems can lead to a wilt- it is one of the most common symptoms of bonafde infectious and many non-infectious problems. I believe the best idea is to show your plant to someone mentioned in my earlier email.  If at all possible, get your plant into the hands of someone in the Extension office so you can get an accurate diagnosis before charting a course of corrective measures. One of the cardinal rules I learned as a plant mortician (detective ha-ha!!)is to get that diagnois first so as to know the best way to manage it.  As mentioned,I can look around for a office and telephone number in your county/state if you cannot find one.

Steve