NNY On-farm research helping high tunnel tomato growers

New York-grown tomatoes in 2013 were estimated at a value of $32.4 million, according to the Cornell 2013 Vegetable Summary. The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program/NNYADP has issued a new resource to help tomato growers cope with a fungal disease that has become increasingly troublesome for greenhouse and high tunnel growers across New York State.

With NNYADP funding, Amy Ivy, a regional vegetable specialist with the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program, developed a four-page fact sheet with leaf mould prevention and control tips for growers.

Leaf mould favours the higher humidity conditions found in greenhouses and high tunnels. The fungus spreads rapidly, defoliating plants, which severely reduces yield. The Cornell 2013 Vegetable Summary indicated that greenhouse and high tunnel production is on the rise in New York with structures ranging in size from one-tenth of an acre to more than 40 acres.

Fungicide sprays have not been effective in stopping the spread of leaf mould. Ivy suggests improving ventilation, plant spacing, pruning and training to reduce the risk.

The ‘Leaf Mould in High Tunnel Tomatoes’ Fact Sheet posted at www.nnyagdev.org identifies a number of leaf mould-resistant varieties of cherry, grape and salad tomatoes as well as the more popular varieties that are susceptible to the disease.

‘Each year plant breeders are developing varieties with greater resistance to leaf mould, but the fungus continues to mutate, making it very challenging for growers. Planting several different varieties each season may help reduce the risk of crop and economic loss,’ Ivy says.

Heirloom varieties of tomatoes are particularly at risk as none are leaf-mould resistant.

The new fact sheet also includes photos of other types of tomato diseases that are leaf mould look-alikes.

The farmer-drive Northern New York Agricultural Development Program funds on-farm research and technical assistance for farmers in the six northernmost counties of New York State: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence.

Growers seeking assistance in diagnosing leaf mould or other problems in their crops may contact the local Cornell Cooperative Extension office.

For more information
Amy Ivy, CCE CLinton County
T: 518 561 74 50

Kara Lynn Dunn, NNYADP publicist
T: 315-465-7578
karalynn@gisco.net

Publication date: Fri 25 Jul 2014