Help! Diagnosis assistance please.

[ikegass33]

After doing some research, I believe what at least 5 of my tomato plants have is Septoria. I've remove the affected leaves, but now I'm looking for a confirmed diagnosis from more experienced gardeners. I'm growing these in 5 gallon buckets as well (if that matters). This is my first year at this, and I'm doing it for my mom, who is actually really enjoying the experience.

So if you can help with the following:
1. Diagnosis
2. Recommended treatment

Last night I bought some Daconil spray(not concentrate, think I made a mistake?), and I have some copper fungicide, and I'd love to have any input on what the best chemical treatment would be. I may even considering watering them down with a bleach /water mix as I saw in a Septoria thread. I also read some say Daconil doesn't work but the copper sprays do, vice versa and all sorts of conflicting opinions so I'm confused there. Thanks for any assistance you all can provide!!

Pat

[amideutch]

Not to panic. Check out the website below concerning Septoria which I think you have.

http://organicgardening.about.com/od...toleafspot.htm

You can spray them with copper, remove the worst leaves and then hit them with Daconil. Make sure you follow the directions for both products.
Ami

[RayR]

Septoria is what it is.

Daconil is a preventative only, it won't kill active infections. It also washes off in the rain, so it needs to be reapplied when you have dry weather.

What copper fungicide do you have? I've only used copper octanoate (copper soap) in the past and it worked as a preventative and it halted active infections pretty well, which slowed the spread. Doesn't wash off in the rain since it has low solubility when it dries on the leaves.

[ikegass33]

Originally Posted by RayR

Septoria is what it is.

Daconil is a preventative only, it won't kill active infections. It also washes off in the rain, so it needs to be reapplied when you have dry weather.

What copper fungicide do you have? I've only used copper octanoate (copper soap) in the past and it worked as a preventative and it halted active infections pretty well, which slowed the spread. Doesn't wash off in the rain since it has low solubility when it dries on the leaves.

I have the Bonide Copper Fungicide RTU spray bottle. I've learned it's always better to buy the concentrate instead of the spray bottles, so I'll keep that in mind for next purchase. When you say the Daconil won't kill active infections..will it prevent infections on NEW leaves that grow on an infected plant? Thanks.

Pat

[RayR]

Originally Posted by ikegass33

I have the Bonide Copper Fungicide RTU spray bottle. I've learned it's always better to buy the concentrate instead of the spray bottles, so I'll keep that in mind for next purchase. When you say the Daconil won't kill active infections..will it prevent infections on NEW leaves that grow on an infected plant? Thanks.

Pat

Bonide Copper Fungicide RTU is Copper Octanoate (a.k.a. Copper Soap, Copper Salts of Fatty Acids)

On Daconil, that's right
See...
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=15489

Carolyn explains Daconil's (chlorothalonil) mode of action:

Daconil works b'c the molecules bind to the attachment sites on the leaf surface where the spores would normally attach and blocks them from attaching. But it isn't permanent which is why you have to respray.

When the spore penetrates the leaf, you won't even see it with your eyes until it a very faint yellow spot shows on the leaf, so don't panic if you spray and still get some infections here and there.

[ikegass33]

I forgot to say thanks to you, RayR and amideutch for your wonderful assistance with my issue. I've applied one application of the Daconil, and followed up with a copper spray. Hopefully that will clear up this Septoria issue, but I'll be back if I have any more questions. Thanks again!

[ikegass33]

Hey Ray, now my plants' stems all have black spots on them! Is that more related to a bacterial issue like bacterial spot/speck/wilt/canker? I'll provide photos when I can, but it's at my mom's house and I won't be getting by there for a bit. This is so frustrating for a first year garden. Thanks for any info...

Pat

[ikegass33]

Adding a photo for Pilgrim (check bottom post #194)that looks similar to his condition . Notice the white spot like yours has as well as the brown spots all over. I've been looking for a photo that looked exactly like mine, and yours was it. I'll let you know how it goes. Besides the brown spotting, one of your photos has a distinct white spot that this photo has as well.