We’re not sure from your photo what problem you are indicating, but it does appear that the leaf petioles (leaf stems) are turning downward. If this is not the problem you are indicating, please send us a new photo with a close-up of the problem you would like us to look at, and we’ll send another response. Otherwise, this downward turning appears to be an abiotic, non-infectious, disorder called Epinasty. This can be caused by various things, but since you’re applying so much water so often, this is very likely the result of anaerobic soil conditions, in which the soil holds too much water and not enough oxygen for the roots to function properly. With the amount of water your applying daily, oxygen is not likely available in your soil. This can cause plants to produce a gaseous hormone called Ethylene, which is the actual cause of the downward turning of the petioles/stems. We’ve included a quote from the Plant Physiology Journal, as well as the link to this article for your reference. We recommend that you cut back on your water applications, and only water to keep the soil evenly moist. As you say, weather conditions may dictate more water during some weeks, and less during others. A moisture meter may be a good tool to use. You can get these at many garden centers. Tomatoes like deep watering, fewer times per week. This downward turning cannot be corrected, but you can still get the plant to produce, if proper care is provided. We’ve also included a link (the last one below) with some information from the UC for your reference.
From: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1091906/
“……. results indicate that deprivation of O2 to the roots is the primary effect of soil flooding, and that this is sufficient to cause increased ethylene synthesis in the shoot.”
Tomato care at this link….. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/tomato.html
Leave A Comment