This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
deformed tomatoes
treehugger80
Posts: 1,923
I gave my parents three tomatoes plants a month or so ago, they were totally healthy when I gave them over, my dad has potted up and put in his greenhouse. but when I popped around at the weekend the new growth is curled and twisted? I can't see any insects (aphids, thrips etc) but my dad does have a tendency to leave the greenhouse sealed up on hot days, any ideas on the problem? I've never seen this before, can they be salvaged?
0
Posts
I cannot enlarge the pics to see if there are any yellow spots on the leaves (virus or blight) so presuming there are a nice healthy green then I would say the leaf curling is down to too much heat and/or moisture loss.
my dad doesn't use weed killer in the garden, he doesn't believe in it, the leaves were green and healthy (as you can see from the lower leaves) its just the upper leaves that are twisted, they are still flowering and setting fruit.
I am slightly suspicious of the compost used to pot them up as it was a cheap pack from a supermarket? would un-potting, taking most of the compost off and repotting with decent compost help?
I think your dad cooking them really is the main cause, they don't like changes in temp - hot or cold. By all means, repot them but that may cause more stress at the moment, but you could give them a bit of food to improve the compost. I personally would try and keep them moist (not overwatered which can cause same symptoms of curling) and in a steady temp and let them recover. There's no sign of any other disease or pest on them which is great but also points towards environmental problems.
I have warned him about the greenhouse, I even fitted a auto window opener which he disconnected because it opened when it was sunny!
I think I might just take the door off and hide it!!!
+1 on overheating. Even up north they need some shading at this time of year. Tomatoes need a bit of air circulation too. If there's someone around about noon, open the greenhouse door as well at the auto vent.
You could also water the greenhouse deck in the morning if it's likely to be scorchio.
I know this is a year late, but I think you'll find that the cause was actually compost that was contaminated with herbicide. I've had the same problem this year with Tomorite grow bags and am now talking to the manufacturer about compensation. It's caused by inclusion of recycled material containing herbicide - one of the joys of peat free compost!
That is classic Aminopyralid damage, Levingtons were selling contaminated Grow Bags in 2016 and they are still selling contaminated Grow Bags now. Buyer beware!
Yes it was Levington (made by Scotts) at fault in 2016 - they tested samples of my grow bags and admitted liability. I claimed for 14 grow bags and loss of seed, fertiliser. We argued about whether or not I had receipts to prove anything (of course I didn't, who keeps things like that for 4 months on the off chance you've been diddled by a seemingly reputable company?!!). Then they offered me £80, which I rejected, and they increased their offer to £100. I still considered that inadequate but accepted having lost the will to argue, then I had to chase them for the cheque, and when it turned up it was for £120!! They are a bit of of a joke all round really.
If anyone needs addressed or advice chasing them, drop me an email [email protected]