The degree of curling depends on the tomato variety. Heirloom varieties may have more leaf curl than hybrid tomatoes. Tomatoes may also show curled leaves from insect damage. A less common reason for curling tomato leaves is herbicide drift or contamination of compost by herbicide residue .
We the most likely cause of tomato leaves curling is excessively hot conditions . In addition to hot weather, windy and dry weather can cause tomato leaves to curl in a similar fashion. Drifting herbicides, root bound plants, viruses and disease, overwatering, cold weather, excess nitrogen, and pest damage as well are a few additional ideas to take a look at.
So, why are the leaves on my tomatoes curling?
One article argued that the most common reasons that you notice tomato leaves curling up are due to environmental issues . Lack of Water. Another reason that your plants might have leaf curling is that you need to give your plants more water. In addition, pay attention too: pruning too much, curly top virus, herbicide damage, pest damage, micronutrient deficiency, or excess nitrogen.
Another cause of tomato plant leaf curling, also known as leaf roll , is attributed to physiologic conditions. While its exact cause may be unknown, it’s believed to be a sort of self-defense mechanism.
Our chosen answer was the key to managing tomato leaf curl is through prevention. Plant only pest and disease-resistant varieties. Protect garden plants from possible whitefly infestations by adding floating row covers and keep the area free of weeds, which often attract these pests .
You should be asking “What does it mean when tomato leaves curl up?”
One source proposed Curling tomato leaves may be a sign of a viral infection . Normally this virus is transmitted through whiteflies or through infected transplants.
While we were researching we ran into the question “Why do tomato leaves twist or curl?”.
Some sources claimed There are five primary reasons that tomato leaves twist or curl: Wind damage Herbicide drift Herbicide residue Broad mite Tomato viruses.
Another question we ran across in our research was “Should I destroy my tomato plant if leaves are curling?”.
I If you do have the Yellow Leaf Curl Virus then it may be best to destroy the plant than let it spread to others. But most of all don’t worry if your tomato plant leaves are curling. Try all of the above methods before destroying the plan .
Although physiologic effects for tomato leaf curl do not affect the overall growth or crop yields of plants, when the tomato leaf curling is due to a viral infection, removal of the infected plants is necessary .
Why are my leaves curling up?
As you can see the lower leaves are starting to curl upwards but just on this one plant. It’s also common for leaves to curl downwards as seen here. Ok so now we have identified what leaf curl is it’s time to look for the possible cause and treatment. If the leaves curl down then this may indicate root rot .
Why are my tomato plants dying on the outside?
High winds, blowing dust and low humidity can damage the leaves and stems on tomato plants. Injury is similar and is often confused with drift damage from phenoxy-type herbicides (Fig. 6). Heat and low moisture can cause the edges of the tomato leaves to die back, then twist and curl .
One article argued that Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers It’s more common to see tomato plant leaves curling when the tomato plants are in containers. This is mainly down to the following reasons: Insufficiently Sized Container – Look to re-locate to larger sized 1to 2 square feet.
How to diagnose tomato yellow leaf curl virus?
To confirm tomato yellow leaf curl virus, submit plant samples to the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (http://plantclinic. tamu. edu). Pull up and dispose of diseased plants. They key to solving the problem of twisted or curled leaves is to identify the source or sources of the problem.