Tomato plants become yellow and die prematurely? Can anyone tell me what is wrong with them?

Hi everyone,





I've been planting tomato plants in my garden for the past twenty years and recently the plants have been dying prematurely. They start out growing nice and strong, and healthy looking. Soon after producing some tomatoes, some begin wilting and turning yellow. It seems to affect some tomato plants while some other plants seem not to be affected too much while others completely die.





I was wondering if the soil is deficient in minerals. I have used miracle grow and composted manure occasionlly. I am considering removing some of the old soil and replace it with fresh potting soil and composted manure and use miracle grow in addition in order to start off with a "clean slate" so to speak. I have also heard of using lime to neutralize the soil. I tried it one year with no real success. I'm not sure, should I try it again ?





What do you think is the problem with my plants and what should I do to correct the situation?





Thanks to everyone,





John

Tomato plants become yellow and die prematurely? Can anyone tell me what is wrong with them?
You used the magic word, "wilt." Could be any kind of virus. I wonder if you've been buying the same exact kinds of tomatoes all this time, because different varieties carry different resistances. Some of them, for example, are not at all resistant to tobacco mosaic virus, and anyone who smokes around them or even handles them can transfer this virus to them. I would suggest purchasing several varieties which you have not grown before to see if the same thing happens to them.





Also, if you've been planting the tomato crop in the same place every year you could have built up a viral community that has become unhealthy. If this is the case I'd suggest transferring the tomatoes to another patch of ground, or to pots. Or some to another patch and some to pots, as an experiment.





I would also hold off on more fertilizer. Since the tomatoes are not well, fertilizing them might be like feeding a rich meal to a person in ICU - at best, not helpful.
Reply:Too much water and not enough good ground that drains and full of lime.
Reply:well it could be not enough iron . go get you some new plants soak the roots in super thrive for about 15 minutes then plant in potting soil then water with some miracle grow and that should help then just make sure you water then everyday but don't over water . they have that blow glass watering thing under that makes sure you don't under water or over water . I'll give you the link .





my grandfather was a tomato farmer :) the best tomatoes are your big beef and jackpot . also for salads cherry and pear tomatoes . good luck.





ps you might have to much alkali in the soil to . Get some turkey manure and till it in your soil along with your compost that can help .
Reply:John,





Could it be blight? Are there dark spots on leaves? It's a Fungus that's hard to get rid of. You need to remove the wilted leaves and destroy them if you haven't already done so.





I have a Fungus Fighter Tonic that might be helpful, I had the same problem last year with blight.





1/2 cup molasses


1/2 cup powdered milk


1 tsp baking soda


1 gal warm water





Mix the molasses, milk, soda into a paste. Put the mixture into the toe of a nylon stocking and let it steep in the water for several hours. Strain and use the liquid on your tomato plants.