Buckeye rot

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Phytophthora
Buckeye rot
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Tomatoes suffering from buckeye rot
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Chromalveolata
Phylum: Heterokontophyta
Class: Oomycetes
Order: Peronosporales
Family: Pythiaceae
Genus: Phytophthora
Species: P. capsici, P. drechsleri and P. parasitica

Buckeye rot or Fruit rot is caused by the water-moulds Phytophthora capsici, Phytophthora drechsleri and Phytophthora parasitica.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The first symptom on the fruit is a grayish green or brown watersoaked spot that develops where the fruit touches the soil. Lesions that enlarge on the surface of infected fruit have a characteristic pattern of alternating light and dark brown concentric rings that resemble the markings on a buckeye. Buckeye rot lesions have a smooth surface and lack a sharply defined margin. These features distinguish the disease from late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans), which is characterized by lesions with a rough surface and a definite margin. In contrast with Pythium rot, which results in a soft, watery rot of the fruit, tomatoes with buckeye rot initially remain firm. Buckeye rot lesions may, however, be invaded by soft rot bacteria in the later stages of disease development.[1]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

None. Remove and destroy affected fruit.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Cultural[edit | edit source]

Grow tomatoes on raised beds in well drained soil. Stake and/or mulch plants to prevent fruit from contacting the soil. Avoid frequent irrigations that keep the ground wet.[1]

Chemical Control[edit | edit source]

In commercial fields, fungicides containing mefenoxam (e.g. Ridomil Gold/Bravo, Ridomil Gold, Ultra Flourish) can be applied as a soil surface application under the vines 4-8 weeks before harvest. Alternatively, mefenoxam fungicides (e.g. Ridomil Gold/Bravo, Ridomil Gold/Copper) can be applied as a foliar spray beginning when crown fruit are 1/3 their final size. In home gardens, maneb (e.g. Maneb) can be used to prevent various fruit rots, including buckeye rot. Follow label harvest restrictions. Tie lower trusses up out of splash distance. Apply a peat mulch and water carefully once fruit is forming.[1]

References[edit | edit source]

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  1. a b c Hansen, M.A. (2009). Buckeye rot of tomato. Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University. Retrieved: 2010-08-25.