6
Jun 2023

Gray Wall on Tomatoes

Gray Wall on Tomatoes
Good reminder heading into Winter to calibrate your equipment

Last week a colleague and fellow advisor asked me if I had noticed any Gray Wall symptoms this year.   Gray Wall is un-common as most growers fertilise correctly, however if you do not monitor and calibrate your equipment on a regular basis then you may be not applying the fertiliser the sensors are indicating.  I believe the issue in the photo below is most likely from incorrect readings.

Below is a good article that discusses symptoms and prevention management for Gray Wall.

What is Tomato Gray Wall Disease?

Blotchy ripening or Gray wall on the tomato is a physiological condition developed due to environmental factors. This disease does not affect the stems or leaves of the tomato plant. The symptoms are only found in the unripe tomatoes.

The factors that may lead to the gray wall disease in tomatoes are- 

  • Excess nitrogen.
  • Low Boron
  • Deficiency of calcium & potassium.
  • Reduced light period.
  • Fluctuating duration of clouds and sunlight.
  • Insufficient levels of soluble salts in the soil 
  • Lower temperatures
  • Heavy soils

How Gray Wall Harm Tomato Plants?

The gray wall disease of the tomato is very complicated. It does not show any signs of infection on the leaves, stems, and roots of the plants. 

The tomatoes impacted with gray wall ripen prematurely and evenly with both red and yellow areas.

The fruit do not ripen properly and “veins” of the interior of fruit develop on the inside walls of the fruit.

The fruits affected are not suitable for commercial processing. They can be even unfit for eating. 

 

The difference that exists between Gray Wall or Blotchy Ripening or any other tomato disease is that its causative agent is unknown. It makes the identification, penetration, and dissemination, and prevention of the gray wall harder. 

The gray wall of the tomato plant is a physiological disorder that can be caused by up and down in nutrient element levels or fluctuating environmental conditions. 

This disorder is affected by the Tobacco Mosaic virus present in the soil and soil compaction. Short days and high humidity also influence the growth of the disease.

Hot weather, fog, clouds, and shade encourage premature ripening in tomatoes.

To continue reading this article click https://thescientificgardener.com/gray-wall-of-tomato-plant-symptoms-prevention-management (source)

Article compiled by Stefan Vogrincic
All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic.  For all media releases please send to marie@grower2grower.co.nz or upload directly: https://www.grower2grower.co.nz/article-form/
I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page or email: stefan@grower2grower.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Subscribe to our E-Zine

Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.

More

From This Category

High-tech spy gear to uncover the secrets of Bumble bees in Tasmania
October 8, 2024
High-tech spy gear to uncover the secrets of Bumble bees in Tasmania
Bumble bees in Tasmania are being geared up with micro radio transmitters and cameras to help scientists uncover their environmental impact and crucial role in crop pollination.
Cherry Production in New Zealand – Mike Nichols
October 8, 2024
Cherry Production in New Zealand – Mike Nichols
"There is now considerable evidence available that by using dwarfing cherry rootstocks and  the Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO) training system that it is possible to grow cherries at high density"
Signify helps Agtira to bring locally grown cucumber to Swedish market
September 24, 2024
Signify helps Agtira to bring locally grown cucumber to Swedish market
Swedish producer specializing in urban farming, are announcing the construction of a new greenhouse in the Swedish municipality Haninge, not far from Stockholm.
September 9, 2024
Dimmable Philips LED top-lighting fixtures support maximum efficiency and better use of energy
Great Lakes Greenhouses Enhances Cucumber Production with Philips GreenPower LED toplighting and GrowWise Control Systems
Plant & Food Research welcomes changes to gene technology regulations
August 13, 2024
Plant & Food Research welcomes changes to gene technology regulations
Plant & Food Research scientists use gene technologies to understand the genetic controls of key plant characteristics
Ground cover: woven weed mat or solid plastic… or both?
July 16, 2024
Ground cover: woven weed mat or solid plastic… or both?
Choosing the right ground cover for your greenhouse indeed plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal conditions for your crops. The use of woven breathable plastic weed mat is a common practice among greenhouse growers in New Zealand. The decision to use woven weed mat over solid plastic was likely influenced by the need for proper drainage. By allowing moisture to drain through while still providing a barrier against weeds.  That does not mean it was the correct decision.
CLASSIFIED