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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its
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State University.

2 2
 Abiotic Disorders
of Tomatoes
Authors
Nick Volesky, vegetable IPM associate
Marion Murray, Extension IPM specialist
Sheriden Hansen, Extension horticulture agent (Davis County)
Maegen Lewis, Extension horticulture agent (Wasatch/Summit counties)

Ordering Information:

A PDF version of this guide is available on the USU Extension - Utah Pests
website (extension.usu.edu/pests/guides).
To order additional bound copies of the publication, contact Utah State
University Extension Publications.

E-mail: Phone:
[email protected] (435) 797-2251
Monday–Friday
Website: 8 am–5 pm MST
usuextensionstore.com
3
 Funding for this guide was provided by:
USDA NIFA CPPM-EIP 2021-05206
Western SARE Utah Professional Development Program

Contact
Utah State University Extension IPM Program
5305 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm

4
 Table of Contents
Identifying Problems on Tomatoes ...................... 6
Adventitious Root Growth ........................................ 8
Blossom Drop ................................................................ 10
Blossom-end Rot .......................................................... 12
Cat-facing ......................................................................... 14
Chimera ............................................................................ 16
Cracking/Splitting ....................................................... 18
Cold Injury ...................................................................... 20
.

Edema/Oedema ............................................................ 22
Freeze Damage .............................................................. 24
Green/Yellow Shoulder ............................................. 26
Herbicide Damage ....................................................... 28
Horn/Nose Development ........................................ 30
Iron Chlorosis ............................................................... 32
Leggy Seedlings ............................................................ 34
Nitrogen Deficiency ..................................................... 36
Phosphorus Deficiency ............................................. 38
Physiological Leaf Roll ............................................... 40
Potassium Deficiency ................................................. 42
Storm Damage ............................................................... 44
Sunscald .......................................................................... 46
Vivipary ............................................................................ 48
Zippering ......................................................................... 50
Tomato Production Resources ............................... 52
Image Credits ................................................................ 54

5
 Identifying Problems on Tomatoes
Monitoring tomato plants regularly from seedling to
harvest allows for early detection of abnormal conditions.
Although tomato plants can be attacked by a variety of
living organisms (insects, mites, pathogens, vertebrates),
nonliving (abiotic) conditions can cause just as much
damage.

Abiotic diseases in tomato plants can arise from

nutrient deficiencies, temperature extremes, abnormal
lighting, chemical application, changes in water uptake,
mechanical damage, genetic mutations, and more.
This guide will cover most of the abiotic disorders and
diseases that can affect tomatoes in Utah.

Your local USU Extension county office and the

Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab can work with you in
identifying problems in tomato plants through image or
sample submissions.

Extension offices: extension.usu.edu/locations

Lab: extension.usu.edu/pests/uppdl/

Key to Affected Plant Parts

Stem Roots Fruit Foliage

Key to Condition Severity

No effect on plant Moderate decline
health or yield. on plant health
and yield.

Minimal decline Severe effect on

in plant health plant health and
and yeild. yield.

6
7
 Adventitous Root Growth

Description
Tomatoes (especially heirloom varieties) and other
solanaceous vegetables, such as tomatillos, can
generate new roots from hairs found on the stem above
the root system. These often present as short, fleshy
bumps along the stem prior to root formation. These
structures may appear harmul to the plant, but they are
not. Adventitious roots have the potential to grow into
roots if placed in contact with the soil, boosting the ability
of the plant to take up water and minerals.
Management
Although adventitious root growth in the soil can help
to support large, healthy plants, excess formation of
nodules aboveground may be a sign of plant stress.
Excess water is the most common cause, reducing
oxygen availability to the root, and stimulating the
plant to form aboveground root structures. When
planting tomatoes, placing them deep into the soil or
trench-planting so that a portion of the stem above
the root system is in contact with the soil will promote
adventitious root growth.
Timing
This condition can occur any time during production,
outdoors or indoors.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

8
9
 Blossom Drop

Description
Flowers that dry and drop from stems with no fruit
formation are primarily caused by temperatures that
are not conducive to effective pollination. Blossom
drop occurs when daytime temperatures above 90°F
accompany nighttime temperatures above 72°F or below
55°F. Excessive heat desiccates pollen, resulting in poor
fruit set and dried blossoms that eventually drop. Split
set on tomatoes is a related issue and occurs when a
period of intense heat surrounds pollination and fruit
set. This results in two distinct crops of tomatoes, with a
period between with little to no production.
Management
Tomatoes grow best in daytime temperatures between
72°F and 85°F. Shade cloth (30% shade) can help
reduce the incidence of blossom drop by moderating
temperatures around the plants. However, in extreme
and prolonged heat, it is unlikely that the problem can
be corrected until temperatures are reduced. Irrigation
management and mulching at the base of the plant to
keep the soil evenly moist and help pollen stay hydrated
and viable. Other causes of blossom drop include
wind, low humidity, and high nitrogen content, all of
which promotes vegetative growth and limits blossom
development.

Timing
Blossom drop is most common during months of
extreme temperature (July and August in northern Utah).
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

10
11
 Blossom-end Rot

Description
Blossom-end rot is a disorder caused by a lack of
calcium in the fruit. Calcium is a nutrient that contributes
to healthy cell walls, and when deficient, cell breakdown
occurs, leaving the brown water-soaked or target-
like spots on the bottom of the fruit. Blossom-end rot
can occur on other crops, including summer squash,
peppers, eggplant, and more. Causes of the disorder
include uneven soil moisture, over-fertilization, or
prolonged periods of cool, wet soil. The uneven or
excess moisture prevents the delivery of calcium to the
farthest reach of the plant—the blossom ends of the
fruits.
Management
Blossom-end rot can be prevented with proper irrigation
management and mulch to maintain even soil moisture.
Avoid overwatering as it can exacerbate the condition,
especially in heavy clay soil. If blossom-end rot is a
recurring problem, spray plants with a foliar calcium
spray (available at garden centers). Applying calcium or
eggshells to soil is ineffective as Utah soil typically has
ample calcium levels. Remove affected fruit from plants
to promote healthy development of remaining fruit.
Timing
Blossom-end rot is most common during periods of
intense heat or when irrigation management is less than
ideal. Look for damage from June through August.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

12
13
 Cat-Facing

Description
The term cat-facing refers to tomatoes that are generally
distorted, misshapen, or dimpled. The damage usually
results from injuries that cause the fruit’s blossom
scar to become enlarged or perforated. Causal factors
include high nitrogen levels, temperature extremes or
fluctuations during flowering, excessive pruning, or poor
pollination. Feeding by piercing-sucking insects such as
stink bugs or lygus bugs damage the tomato skin, also
causing cat-facing symptoms.

Management
Growing conditions that best support plant growth and
good pest management can reduce cat-facing. Floating
row covers may reduce cat-facing if insects are causing
the damage. Avoid excessive nitrogen, prune properly,
and select cultivars that are less prone to cat-facing
(some heirloom tomato varieties are more susceptible).
Tomatoes with cat-facing are still edible but less likely to
be marketable.

Timing
Cat-facing occurs when flowers are formed, and
symptoms occur on fruit throughout the growing season.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

14
15
 Chimera

Description
A chimera is a genetic mutation characterized by foliage
with distinct yellow or white patches. It often occurs
on leaf halves or is delineated by veins. This genetic
abnormality occurs infrequently and spontaneously. A
chimera can be mistaken as a virus infection symptom
but is not pathogen-caused and is not a concern for
plant health as it cannot spread to nearby plants.
Management
There is no management recommended for chimera as
it is harmless. Plant tissue that is white or yellow may be
more prone to sunburn, and browning may occur where
these patches exist. Plants with a chimera do not need
to be removed and can be protected from excessive sun
exposure with the addition of shade cloth (30% shade).
Chimeras are generally limited to a few leaves or a
shoot, and removing those plant parts will remove the
chimera.
Timing
A chimera can occur at any time in the life of the tomato
plant.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

16
17
 Cracking/Splitting

Description
Cracking and splitting occur when rapid changes in soil
moisture levels cause the fruit to expand faster than
the epidermis (skin) allows. Cracking shows as vertical
splits (radial cracking) or a circular pattern on the top
of fruit (concentric cracking). Radial cracking is the
most detrimental to fruit; however, both types reduce
fruit quality by increasing susceptibility of fruit to insect-
feeding and colonization of decay or rotting organisms.
Management
Proper irrigation practices and mulching will provide
even soil moisture and growth of fruit, which can pre-
vent cracking. Some varieties are less prone to crack-
ing, such as ‘Jetstar’, ‘Mountain Spring’, and ‘Mountain
Fresh’. Unripe fruits that have cracked will likely rot if
left on the vine. Tomatoes should be harvested and
consumed or processed as soon as cracking occurs to
reduce the introduction of rot.
Timing
Cracking can occur any time there is excess soil
moisture but is most common during times with
monsoonal rainstorms, such as late July and August.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

18
19
 Cold Injury

Description
Cold injury occurs when tomato plants are exposed
to temperatures between 33°F and 50°F. These
temperatures, in combination with other environmental
factors, can cause leaf tissue damage and reduced of
flower formation and fruit production. Damaged leaf
cells appear as interveinal brown spots on young plants,
while leaves on established plants may turn dark purple.
Although cold injury is not detrimental, plant growth can
be stunted and actively growing fruit may be damaged
under prolonged cold periods.
Management
To avoid injury, transplant tomatoes after the danger
of frost has passed and when nighttime temperatures
are consistently above 50°F. Follow weather forecasts
closely in the spring and fall and cover plants for
protection as needed. Low tunnel or floating row covers
can be added to raise the ambient air temperature
around the plant during cold nights. Remove row covers
as temperatures rise during the day to reduce humidity
and avoid extreme heat (over 90°F).
Timing
Cold injury can occur anytime the temperature drops
between 33°F and 50°F but is most likely to occur in
spring and fall.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

20
21
 Edema/Oedema

Description
Edema (oedema) is identified by watery blisters
(swellings) that form along the leaf veins and typically
occur on the undersides of leaves. Under severe
cases, edema can cause leaf drop, spindly stems, and
eventually halt plant growth. Edema is induced by high
relative humidity, overwatering, and/or low light quality,
causing the plant to take up more water than it can
transpire. Because of this, edema is most commonly
observed in greenhouses during prolonged cloudy
weather.
Management
To avoid edema, vent the greenhouse to reduce
humidity and space plants apart to improve air flow
and light penetration. Other methods include using
of supplemental lighting during winter or prolonged
overcast days and avoiding overwatering.
Timing
Edema most commonly occurs in late winter in green-
house production or during prolonged cloudy and humid
weather.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

22
23
 Freeze Damage

Description
Freeze damage occurs when temperatures drop below
32°F, causing leaf, stem, and fruit tissue to freeze,
expand, and rupture. Plants will not recover once
significant freeze damage has occurred.

Management
Prevent damage by growing tomatoes in protective
structures like a high tunnel or greenhouse. Low tunnels
or floating row covers are inexpensive options that
increase ambient temperature by roughly 3-5 degrees
depending on the type and thickness of material. Covers
should be supported to prevent the leaf tissues from
freezing where they come into contact with the material.
Covers should also be weighted down at the edges to
prevent heat loss. Irrigating the day before temperatures
drop can reduce damage since irrigated soils retain heat
and release it at night.

Timing
Freeze damage typically occurs in spring and fall when
temperatures drop below 32°F.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

24
25
 Green/Yellow Shoulder

Description
Green shoulder is a fruit ripening disorder that appears
when tomato fruits have fully ripened, but the top
“shoulder” of the fruit remains green and yellow. This
discoloration can also appear inside the fruit and is not
alleviated through extended ripening time. The green
shoulder areas remain hard with an underdeveloped
flavor. Green shoulder is partially caused by genetics,
with some cultivars being more susceptible than others.
It can also be caused by environmental conditions,
including temperatures above 90°F or below 60°F, high
humidity, and exposure to direct sunlight.
Management
Prevention includes selecting cultivars that are less
susceptible and covering tomatoes with shade cloth
of up to 30% to decrease light intensity and ambient
temperature.
Timing
Green shoulder disorder occurs as the fruit is developing
and becomes visible as the fruit begins to ripen.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

26
27
 Herbicide Damage

Description
Herbicide damage occurs when a broadleaf herbicide
contacts the plant either directly or indirectly via drift,
vapor, or herbicide residues in soil, mulch, or compost
materials. Symptoms include small misshaped leaves
that are thick and tightly curled, stunted growth, and
dieback in severe exposure. Plants may recover from
minor damage, but yields are typically reduced. Some
herbicides that are sprayed during hot temperatures can
volatilize with long-distance drift of vapors, while others
drift to nearby plants on windy days.
Management
Avoid accidental exposure by following label application
directions for temperature, wind speed, correct nozzle
size, and spray pressure. Use a hooded sprayer,
increase the droplet size, add a spray additive to
reduce drift, thoroughly clean sprayers after use, and
avoid spraying when winds are blowing toward the
crop. Tomato plants that are exposed to small doses
of herbicide damage will likely recover. If exposure
is determined to be from mulch or compost, then
immediately stop using and remove infected compost.
Timing
Herbicide damage can occur at any time during the
growing season but is most common during dry, hot, or
windy days after herbicides have been applied nearby.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

28
29
 Horn/Nose Development

Description
Horn/nose development on tomato fruits is a genetic
mutation. It occurs during early fruit development when
a few of the cells divide incorrectly, forming an extra
fruit locule. Locules are the cavity portion of the fruit
surrounded by the pericarp (formed from the wall of the
ripened ovary). High temperatures during the night and
day can contribute to this mutation. Typically, only one or
two fruits are affected on the plant.

Management
Older heirloom varieties of tomatoes tend to be
more susceptible. Keeping plants shaded during hot
temperatures may help reduce the chance of this
mutation. Horn/nose development on the fruit will not
affect the taste or quality.

Timing
Horn/nose development starts during fruit development
on the plant.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

30
31
 Iron Chlorosis

Description
Iron is one of the micronutrients necessary for plant
growth and development. It aids in the synthesis of
chlorophyll, and it is important for maintaining chloroplast
structure and function. In tomatoes, iron deficiency is
expressed on foliage with interveinal chlorosis (yellowing
of foliage with green veins). Iron has low mobility in
the plant, so symptoms will appear first on younger
leaves before expanding to the rest of the plant. Due
to the lack of chlorophyll, tomatoes struggle to properly
photosynthesize. In Utah, where soils are alkaline (pH
greater than 7.0), iron chlorosis is common. In high
pH soils, iron is fixed to an insoluble form, making it
unavailable to plant roots.

Management
Conducting a soil test can identify the pH and availability
of iron and other possible nutrient deficiencies. Mitigate
iron chlorosis by applying chelated iron fertilizer in the
form of EDHHA directly to the soil. Applying foliar iron
may also be necessary but is a temporary solution.

Timing
Iron chlorosis can affect plants from transplant to
harvest.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

32
33
 Leggy Seedlings

Description
“Legginess” in tomatoes occurs when newly germinated
seedlings develop weak stems with long internodes. This
happens when there is little to no light available, causing
plants to stretch to reach a light source. Eventually,
seedlings become spindly, weak-stemmed, and collapse.

Management
“Legginess” often occurs in winter and early spring
when starting seeds too early, especially indoors, During
this time the days are shorter, so seedlings planted
on windowsills may not receive the optimal duration
of sunlight they require. When tomatoes sprout after
seeding (typically after 7-10 days), make sure plants
have access to a very bright light (south- or west-facing
window). Artificial lighting is typically needed and should
be placed 3-4 inches above the plantings and run for at
least 14-16 hours a day. Reference USU Extension’s
Start Your Own Seedlings Indoors fact sheet for more
detailed instructions and tips on the topic.

Timing
Legginess occurs indoors when seeds are started too
early in the winter and early spring.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

34
35
 Nitrogen Deficiency

Description
Nitrogen is one of the three macronutrients necessary for
plant growth and development. It is a primary component
of proteins within plant cells and is most responsible for
increasing plant growth. In tomatoes, nitrogen deficiency
is expressed by light green to yellow coloration starting
on the lower, older foliage that progresses to the rest of
the plant. This coloring is due to inhibited chloroplast and
chlorophyll synthesis within the plant. Side shoot growth
may also be reduced, and eventually, the older foliage
will drop.

Management
Conducting a soil test can identify the nitrogen
availability in the soil. Nitrogen uptake may also be
reduced at low pH (<4). Correct nitrogen deficiency
by applying nitrogen fertilizer; different nitrogen forms
in fertilizers include nitrate (NO3), ammonia (NH3),
ammonium (NH4), or urea (COCNH). Organic fertilizer
options are also available. Be sure to review fertilizer
labels since nitrogen is very mobile in both the soil and
within the plant.
Timing
Nitrogen deficiency can affect plants from transplant to
harvest.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

36
37
 Phosphorus Deficiency

Description
Phosphorus is one of the three macronutrients
necessary for plant growth and development. It is a
critical component for adenosine triphospate (ATP),
an energy unit that forms during photosynthesis.
Phosphorus also stimulates root development, stem
strength, flower formation, seed production, and overall
crop quality. Phosphorus deficiency is expressed by
small rigid leaf growth, spindly/erect growth, and a dark
green, purplish-red discoloration on the underside of
leaves. Phosphorus is difficult for tomatoes to uptake
when the soil is cold.
Management
Conducting a soil test can identify phosphorus
availability in the soil. With Utah’s alkaline and
calcareous soils, phosphorus can be difficult to manage.
Alleviate deficient soils by using plastic mulch to help
warm the soil. Source different fertilizers that contain
various rates and forms of phosphorus. Do not over-
apply since phosphorus leaches from the soil.
Timing
Phosphorus deficieny can affect plants from transplant to
harvest.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

38
39
 Physiological Leaf Roll

Description
Upward curling or rolling of tomato leaves can be caused
by a variety of factors, such as herbicide damage, virus
infection, or environmental stresses. Leaf curling or
rolling can also be attributed to physiological factors
like transplant shock, early planting, root damage from
hoeing, severe pruning, drought, heat, an excess or
shortage of nutrients, or excessive moisture. Symptoms
of leaf curling are the upward cupping of the leaflets
toward the mid-vein, and thickened, leathery foliage that
remains green. Indeterminate varieties (vining tomatoes)
tend to exhibit more physiological leaf roll than
determinate varieties (bushing tomatoes). Fortunately,
physiological leaf roll tends to have minimal impact on
the plant growth and fruit production of tomatoes.
Management
Practices to mitigate physiological leaf roll include
selecting less susceptible cultivars, allowing seedlings
to properly harden off before transplanting, maintaining
consistent soil moisture, avoiding over or under
fertilizing, and avoiding excessive pruning.

Timing
Leaf roll can occur on the plant at any point during
development, both outdoors and indoors.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

40
41
 Potassium Deficiency

Description
Potassium is one of the three macronutrients necessary
for plant growth and development. Potassium assists
with water movement and enzyme activation within the
plant (affecting proteins, starch, and ATP production).
Potassium deficiency in tomatoes is expressed by
chlorotic foliage starting on the leaf edges that eventually
becomes interveinal (veins remain green). Whitish,
necrotic dotsmay also develop among the chlorotic
areas. Fruits that are experiencing potassium deficiency
may exhibit blotchy, pale coloration along the stem side
of the skin.
Management
Conducting a soil test can identify the potassium
availability within the soil. Apply as needed.

Timing
Potassium deficieny can affect plants from transplant to
harvest.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

42
43
 Storm Damage

Description
Weather events such as heavy rain, hail, and strong
winds can damage vegetable crops, including tomatoes.
Strong winds and hail can tear through foliage,
removing leaves, and leaving the plant vulnerable to
other problems such as sunburn to fruit or reduced
photosynthesis. Wind can also snap and break plant
stems causing instant death. Heavy rains can wash
away soil around the plant affecting the crown and
root system. If there is long-term standing water, this
prevents roots from absorbing oxygen and may increase
the chance of infection by a soilborne pathogen.
Management
Protect tomato plants from storm damage. Secure plants
with stakes, apply a covering before a severe storm, and
allow appropriate drainage.
Timing
Monitor the forecast during the growing season for risk
of severe storms.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

44
45
 Sunscald

Description
Sunscald occurs on multiple fruit crops when intensive
sun light damages the skin. On tomato, it is expressed
as white or light-colored, blister-like spots. Eventually
the affected areas of the fruit may dry out, become
sunken or flattened, and have a paper-like texture. The
injury may allow for rot-causing fungi or bacteria to
enter. Both green and fully ripened fruit can be affected.
Fruits on plants that lose foliage suddenly are especially
susceptible.
Management
Prevent sunscald by not pruning in mid-to-late summer.
Improve water and nutrient management to allow for
healthy foliage growth. Risk of sunscald can increase
after harvesting has begun. Therefore, when working
amongst tomato plants, take care not to cut or break
excessive amounts of vines, leaves, or branches. Shade
cloth (30%) can help reduce sun exposure and lower
plant temperatures. Reference USU Extension’s Using
Shade for Fruit and Vegetable Production fact sheet for
advanced information regarding this practice.
Timing
Fruits are susceptible during high heat and sun
exposure, most often late June to mid-August.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

46
47
 Vivipary

Description
Vivipary occurs when seeds inside a ripe fruit sprout
and begin to grow. They appear inside the fruit as white
straggly stems with a light green cotyledon. In intact
tomatoes, the sprouts eventually poke through the skin
of the soon-to-decompose fruit. This happens when the
abscisic acid hormone (responsible for controlling seed
dormancy) diminishes and the seed germinate while
still in the fruit. Other contributing factors could include
over-ripening or deficiency or abundance of nutrients.
Post-harvest conditions that lead to vivipary are warm
temperatures and a humid environment.
Management
Avoid vivipary by storing freshly picked tomatoes face
up near an indirect sunlight source. Keep them at room
temperature and avoid stacking them in paper or plastic
bags. This will allow the fruits to continue ripening
properly and develop good flavor and aroma. If desired,
sprouts from vivipary could be carefully transplanted to
grow a new plant. They will not be a clone of the mother
as it came from a plant’s seed that was pollinated by
another tomato flower, introducing new parent genes into
the seed that will produce the new plant.
Timing
Vivipary occurs after harvest.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

48
49
 Zippering

Description
Zippering is the presence of a thin, brown longitudinal
scar that can extend from the stem to the blossom end
of the fruit, resembling a zipper. This occurs when the
flower anther sticks to the developing fruit as it grows.
A single fruit may have multiple scars. Sometimes a
small open hole may develop next to the scar. Often,
zippering is superficial and does not affect overall yields
or consumption quality.
Management
Zippering is theorized to be associated with cool
weather and variety genetics. These factors should be
considered when aiming to prevent zippering.

Timing
Zippering is present later in the season during fruit
formation.
May

Aug

Sep

Nov

Dec
Feb

Mar

Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr

Jul

50
51
 Tomato Production Resources
Fact Sheets
Production
• Allen, N. L., Drost, D., & Maughan, T. (2015).
Vegetable irrigation: Sweet pepper and tomato. Utah
State University Extension.
• Black, B., Drost, D., & Hunter, B. (2010). High tunnel
tomato production. Utah State University Extension.
• Drost, D. (2020). Tomatoes in the garden. Utah State
University Extension.
• Drost, D., Hunter, B., & Ward, R. (2011) Tomato high
tunnel budget. Utah State University Extension.

Pest Management
• Evans, K., Frank, E., Heflebower, R., & Reid, C.
(2008). Curly top of tomato. Utah State University
Extension.
• Hubell, M., Nischwitz, C., & Noorlander, M. (2013).
Tomato spotted wilt virus of tomato & pepper.Utah
State University Extension.
• Johnson, M. & Nischwitz, C. (2014). Damping-off.
Utah State University Extension.
• Volesky, N., Murray, M., & Nischwitz, C. (2021).
Powdery mildews on vegetables. Utah State
University Extension.
• Volesky, N., Murray, M., & Nischwitz, C. (2021).
Fusarium and verticillium wilts of vegetables. Utah
State University Extension.
• Volesky, N. & Murray, M. (2021). The backyard
garden: tomato pests. Utah State University
Extension.

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Guides
• Alston, D., Drost, D., Murray, M., & Volesky,
N. (2022). Utah vegetable production and pest
management guide. Utah State University
Extension.
• Cannon, C., Murray, M., Schaible, C., & Beddes,
T. (2016). Vegetable pests of Utah. Utah State
University Extension.
• Drost., D., Olsen, S., & Wagner, K. (n.d.). The
ultimate gardening guide. Utah State University
Extension.
• Drost, D., Gunnell, J., & Hansen, S. (2021).
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 Image Credits
Page 7:
• Photo 1, 2, and 3: Canva
Page 9: Adventitious Root Growth
• Photo 1: Nick Volesky, Utah State University Extension
• Photo 2: Amy Tayler Gee
• Photo 3: Joey Williamson, Clemson University Extension
• Photo 4: University of Florida - Department of Plant Pathology
Page 11: Blossom Drop
• Photo 1: New Mexico State University Master Gardeners
• Photo 2: Marissa Schuh, University of Minnesota Extension
• Photo 3: Richard Boylan, North Carolina State University Extension
• Photo 4: Dan Drost, Utah State University Extension
Page 13: Blossom End Rot
• Photos 1, 2, 3, and 4: Utah State University Extension
Page 15: Cat-facing
• Photo 1: G.J. Holmes, Valent USA Corporation, Bugwood.org
• Photo 2: tomatobible.com
• Photo 3: Meredith Seaver, USU Extension
• Photo 4: Carole Knight, University of Georgia Extension
Page 17: Chimera
• Photo 1: Jessica Law
• Photo 2: Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Photo 3: Bruce Watt, University of Maine
• Photo 4: University of Florida - Department of Plant Pathology
Page 19: Cracking
• Photos 1, 2, 3, and 4: Utah State University Extension
Page 21: Cold Injury
• Photo 1: Lousiana State University Agriculture Center
• Photo 2: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 3: University of Nevada Extension
• Photo 4: Ohio State University Extension
Page 23: Edema/Oedema
• Photo 1: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org
• Photo 2: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 3: Dan Egel
• Photo 4: G. Brust, University of Maryland
Page 25: Freeze Damage
• Photo 1: Texas A&M University
• Photos 2 and 3: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center,
Bugwood.org
• Photo 4: John Trimble, Foodscaping Utah
Page 27: Green Shoulder
• Photo 1: Colorado State University Extension
• Photos 2 and 3: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 4: Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org
Page 29: Herbicide Damage
• Photos 1, 2, and 3: Brian Surowiec, gardening.stackexchange.com
• Photo 4: University of Georgia Extension
Page 31: Nose/Horn Development
• Photo 1: Brenda Bess, Palestine Herald-Press
• Photo 2: Koichi Oda, Wikimedia Commons
• Photos 3 and 4: Canva
Page 33: Iron Chlorosis
• Photos 1, 2, and 3: Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bug-
wood.org
• Photo 4: u/DroneOfIntrusivness
Page 35: Leggy Seedlings
• Photo 1: Hailey Watanabe
• Photo 2: Makayla Lund
• Photo 3: Shalya Myers Acosta
• Photo 4: Merlyn Hall

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Page 37: Nitrogen Deficiency
• Photo 1: Wikimedia Commons
• Photo 2: University of New Hampshire Extension
• Photo 3: www.gardenanswers.com/vegetable-plants/tomato-nutrient-deficiency-2/
• Photo 4: Canva
Page 39: Phosphorus Deficiency
• Photo 1: Texas A&M University Extension
• Photo 2: HGIC, University of Missouri
• Photos 3 and 4: University of Florida Extension
Page 41: Physiological Leaf Roll
• Photos 1, 2, and 4: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 3: Don Ferrin, Lousiana State University Agricultural Center, Bugwood. org
Page 43: Potasium Deficiency
• Photo 1: Goldlocki, CC BY-SA 3.0
• Photos 2 and 3: Wikimedia Commons
• Photos 4: Ben Phillips, Michigan State University Extension
Page 45: Hail Damage
• Photo 1: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
• Photo 2: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 3: https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=407146
• Photo 4: giantveggiegardener.com/2013/07/28/hail-damage/
Page 47: Sunscald
• Photos 1, 2, and 4: Utah State University Extension
• Photo 3: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University. Bugwood.org
Page 49: Vivipary
• Photo 1: Alabama A&M University/auburn University Extension
• Photo 2: University of Kentucky Extension
• Photo 3: Michigan State University Extension
• Photo 4: u/BennyHanno on reddit.com
Page 51: Zippering
• Photo 1: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky
• Photo 2: Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Photo 3: Colorado State University Extension
• Photo 4: Diane Brady, extension.org

55
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