The sight of a tomato infected with brown rot hits home gardeners deep in the heart. Involuntarily, the wish arises to eat at least apparently healthy parts of the plant. So are tomatoes that have been contaminated in this way still edible? We know the answer.

Do not eat fruit from tomato plants with brown rot

The fungal infection brown rot in tomato cultivation quite rightly spreads fear and terror among gardeners. The pathogen Phytophthora infestans releases toxins that can be carcinogenic. Whether it is actually late blight is shown by these indications:

  • Stems and leaves are covered with diffuse brown spots
  • a dirty white fungal growth develops on the underside of the leaves
  • the foliage turns brown, later black and falls off
  • the tomatoes are studded with glassy, brownish pits

The spores have insidiously infested the entire plant long before the visible symptoms appear. For this reason, consumption is strongly discouraged, even if no brown spots or similar features are visible. It is therefore useless to cut out the discolored parts. Boiling or frying does not help either, because the fungal spores are heat-resistant.

Helpful tips for brown rot prevention

A whole arsenal of preventive measures is available to you so that you don't even have to worry about eating tomatoes with brown rot:

  • Putting tomato plants in the greenhouse
  • always grow outdoors with rain protection
  • never plant in close proximity to potatoes
  • principally water during the morning hours
  • never water over leaves and flowers
  • spread a layer of mulch to protect against splashing water
  • Defoliate the bottom of the tomato plants
  • consistently maxed out several times a week
  • Meticulously disinfect climbing aids and binding material

The more vital and healthy a plant is, the more resistant it is to brown rot. Strengthen your tomato plants right from the start with natural liverwort extract.

tips and tricks

Tomatoes with brown rot do not go to the compost. The spores are able to survive there and reinfect your lovingly tended garden plants via the compost. Dispose of fruits and plant parts in household waste or in the organic waste bin.

Category:

Vegetable garden