Spring is the season of mass preparation of seedlings of nightshade crops: tomatoes, peppers. Soon the sprouts of the future harvest will move from the window sills to the beds. It is all the more annoying to discover that tomato seedlings disappear: the leaves curl and dry, and a serious threat hangs over the cherished bushes.
Experienced gardeners can count about a dozen reasons why the leaves of tomato seedlings wither and curl. This includes the notorious human factor, various diseases, and soil characteristics. It has long been known that prevention is more important than cure. If you know why the leaves of tomato seedlings curl, you can prevent this problem.
The human factor of improper care of tomato seedlings
Often, the owners of seedlings themselves, making mistakes in care, contribute to its death. The first mistake is neglecting to prepare the seeds for sowing. When buying bags of seed in a store, you should not hope that the seeds have gone through all stages of processing. The simplest and most necessary action is disinfection. It will save you from a lot of trouble in the future. Hardening is another procedure that will increase the chances of growing healthy, strong seedlings with strong immunity. Very often the leaves of tomato seedlings curl when they have low vitality. This happens if the seeds are too old or of poor quality.
The right soil mixture is a guarantee of successful seedlings
Errors in soil preparation also lead to curling of the leaves of tomato seedlings, especially after picking. Ready-made soil mixtures sold in stores do not always meet all safety requirements and contain necessary substances. Relying on a full set of microelements, you can end up with sluggish, lifeless bushes, since tomatoes are very picky about the soil composition. A self-balanced earthen environment for seedlings will guarantee stable growth and development.
You can take ordinary garden soil as a base, and add the following to it:
- carefully sifted peat;
- top layer of soil from under trees with a high content of rotted leaves;
- perlite or sand;
- high-quality, fine humus;
- steamed sawdust.
Instead of garden soil, you can take soil from a forest zone, a clump, or a grove. Just not near industrial enterprises and busy highways.
Seedling daily routine
Sometimes the leaves of tomato seedlings curl due to sudden changes in heat and coolness, and irrational watering. Moreover, both underfilling and overfilling are equally destructive for green pets.
Overwatering or underwatering will destroy the seedlings
Frequent and excessively abundant watering does not allow the soil to become saturated with oxygen. Roots in constantly wet soil begin to suffocate and rot. Plants signal a problem by the appearance of their leaves and stems. In addition, constantly wet soil becomes an ideal breeding ground for all kinds of fungal diseases. On the contrary, rare and shallow soil moisture causes improper development of the root system. The roots, instead of going deep, grow horizontally along the surface of the earth. Such a plant quickly weakens, and after transplanting into the ground, it dies.
Tomatoes are saved by leaves in hot weather
Sharp temperature fluctuations are also the reason why they curl up; this is a natural reaction. High ambient temperatures cause plants to reduce the surface area for moisture evaporation. And the largest area of ground parts is on the leaves.
The leaves curl, conserving moisture on a hot day, and in the evening they straighten, giving the seedlings a normal appearance.
All forces go to the root
Another symptom of why the leaves of tomato seedlings curl downwards is the tearing of the roots during the replanting process. In order to restore the root system, a young seedling needs to use all its strength. Nutrition becomes inadequate due to damage to the roots. Hence the disturbance in the appearance of tomatoes. The period of “treatment” of the roots can be accelerated by timely feeding.
Stunted tomato varieties are not a disease, but characteristics of the variety
Well, if all the rules of care are carefully followed, why do the leaves of tomato seedlings curl downward in this case? This is probably a varietal feature of this variety of tomatoes. Tall determinate tomatoes in the seedling growth phase after picking themselves have a stunted, dying appearance. Long thin stems, limply drooping, sometimes slightly curled leaves - for some varieties this is not a disease, but a kind of highlight of the variety. This feature does not affect viability and yield.
Excessive zeal in removing stepchildren is dangerous for the life of seedlings
With a high degree of probability, the reason why the upper leaves of tomato seedlings curl is mechanical damage to the plant during the pinching process. Impatient gardeners forget the golden rule “less is more” and remove all unnecessary shoots at one time. For a seedling bush, this is a severe stress shock that will lead to the death of the entire sprout. Lateral branches (stepchildren) are removed 1-2 at a time over several days, preventing them from growing longer than 6-7 cm.
For reasons beyond human control, leaves curl and dry out as a result of attack by harmful insects. Careful regular inspection will allow you to notice a dangerous neighborhood in time and rid all seedlings of it.
Pest of mass destruction - common aphid
Spider mite is an enemy of nightshade crops
- tiny white or yellowish specks-punctures on the leaves;
- a thin whitish cobweb under the leaf blade.
As a result of the activity of spider mites, the leaves of tomato seedlings curl inward, dry out and crumble. Regular, readily available alcohol will help in the fight against this problem. They wipe or spray infected seedling bushes with it. Spraying is repeated after 7 days. Tinctures of dandelions, tobacco, horseradish, and garlic are also effective in treating seedlings from mite attacks. In case of mass infection, it is more rational to use chemical solutions, for example, carbophosphorus. As a preventive measure, lighting with an ultraviolet lamp is used.
Damage to seedlings by viruses, fungi and bacteria
In addition to insect pests, the reason why tomato seedlings' leaves curl inward is viral and bacterial infections of plants.
Diseases of tomatoes in the seedling phase are not uncommon. Often they begin due to the fault of the owner, who did not process the care tools in time, or did not comply with the regime of watering and airing the green pets. The first symptoms of tomato seedling disease: curling of leaves and drying of stems. The most common lesions of nightshades: tobacco mosaic virus, bacteriosis, necrosis, alternaria.
Tobacco mosaic virus. Infection occurs from low-quality seeds. Externally it appears as spots of various shades on leaf plates. Treatment: removal of infected bushes.
Bacteriosis. Within a few days the plant dries out for no apparent reason. When examining a dead bush of seedlings, they notice darkening of the stem from the inside and the appearance of voids in it. Treatment: to protect the remaining seedlings, all suspicious bushes are removed, healthy ones are sprayed with phytolavine (aqueous solution).
Viral necrosis of the stem. Symptoms: the appearance of cracks in the lower part of the stem from which aerial roots sprout, weakness and lethargy of seedlings, falling leaves. Treatment: remove infected bushes (it is better to burn them), treat healthy ones with phytolavine (0.2% aqueous solution).
Dry brown spotting (scientifically called Alternaria). The leaves suffer, becoming stained, curling and drying out. Treatment: spraying with antifungal drugs.
Curling leaves is a signal for help
If for no apparent reason the leaves of tomato seedlings curl, what should you do first? Perhaps this is a signal of a lack of nutrients. The situation should be corrected with regular balanced feeding. An ideal combination of nutrient mixture: phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron. An infusion of wood ash will replace purchased fertilizer; it contains a full composition of useful microelements.
If even after regular feeding it is not possible to find out why the leaves on the tomato seedlings are curling, this is probably due to the bush simply outgrowing its “home”. The small volume of soil clod in the cup limits viability. The consequence of this is weakening of the plant and curling of the leaves. Planting seedlings on time means saving them from stretching and weakness, which can lead to a reduction in yield.
Prevention is the best way to deal with seedling problems
If even a slight deviation occurs from the usual cultivation conditions for tomatoes, their reaction is reflected in a change in the appearance of the leaves. You can determine what to do if the leaves of tomato seedlings curl by familiarizing yourself with the causes of this problem.
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Causes of leaf curling and solutions to the problem
There are some reasons that cause the leaves of tomato plants to curl:
The reasons for leaf curling are described in a video from the Lyubimaya Dacha channel.
Changing environmental conditions
Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to their environment, so the leaf blade can curl due to suboptimal amounts of moisture and inappropriate temperature.
Lack of moisture
During drought, characterized by low humidity and high air temperature, tomato plants tend to reduce the area of water transpiration. During daylight hours, the leaves are lowered down, sometimes they curl into a tube. Due to the drop in air temperature in the evening, they straighten out.
In this case, it is necessary to normalize watering:
- using a spray bottle (fine), spray plants when cultivating indoors;
- when growing in a greenhouse, it is advisable to sprinkle (finely dispersed);
- carry out abundant root watering of tomatoes grown in open ground.
Excess moisture
With excess moisture, tomato leaves become brittle and curl upward. In case of constant excessive humidity, it is recommended to stop watering for a certain period of time. It is necessary to wait for the soil to dry a few centimeters and transfer the seedlings to limited watering. It is important that the soil mixture is loose, air- and water-permeable.
When growing tomato seedlings indoors, make sure that the pots have holes for draining excess water.
Heat
When the air in the room where the seedlings are cultivated exceeds +35 °C, the segments of the plant’s leaves take on the shape of a tube. At night the temperature drops and the segments level out. Plants should be protected from direct sunlight. They are covered with film, lutrasil, or the windows in the room are whitened. Ventilation is required. Tomato beds in a greenhouse are mulched with peat or humus to reduce the soil temperature.
The newspaper Economy talks about diseases of tomatoes grown in a greenhouse.
Violation of agricultural cultivation techniques
Basic cultivation technology techniques include:
- application of various fertilizers (during the preparation of the soil mixture);
- feeding seedlings.
Excess of mineral fertilizers
The tomato leaf curls into a ring when excess mineral fertilizers are applied. In this case, the leaf has a dark green color and becomes extremely brittle and thick. The situation can be corrected and stabilized by applying potassium-phosphorus fertilizers during watering. If there is enough phosphorus in the soil, then only potassium is added.
The most effective is a complex fertilizer. It contains microelements and fatty acids in optimal proportions. It is better to apply it diluted when watering. To prepare, you need to dissolve two tablespoons of nitroammophoska in one bucket of water at room temperature. When growing tomato seedlings over large areas, mineral fertilizers are used, which are applied in solid form before watering.
Nutritional deficiencies
Often, a soil mixture for forcing seedlings allows you to grow them without additional fertilizers. Sometimes one feeding is enough, which is carried out before or after planting the seedlings.
With a lack of phosphorus, the sprouts have a purple tint, and their leaves curl downwards. A lack of potassium is indicated by the leaf curling towards the middle. In these cases, potassium nitrate with superphosphate is applied under the base of seedlings in large areas, and in small areas, wood ash will help.
Micronutrient deficiency
In a tomato with a lack of microelements, not only the color changes, but the leaves also curl.
The leaves begin to curl if the plant feels a deficiency:
- sulfur;
- boron;
- zinc;
- copper
Damage to tomato seedlings by diseases and pests
It is important to adhere to all cultivation conditions. When preparing seed and soil for planting, you need to pay special attention to neutralization. Often, improper care causes seedlings to become infected with infectious diseases.
Bacteriosis
Usually the cause of infection is undisinfected seeds or infection from aphids, as well as whiteflies and cutworms. The disease is characterized by the fact that the seedling begins to curl the leaves outward. Over time, they become smaller, and the flowers acquire an unnatural whitish tint. The seedling is stunted, the leaves on its top are discolored and frail. Tomatoes lack the process of fruit formation.
In case of infection with bacteriosis, the tomato bush must be destroyed and the soil disinfected. You should get rid of pests immediately.
Fusarium wilt
Negative soil microflora provokes the occurrence of fungal disease. The spread of the disease occurs from bottom to top. Control measures in this case consist of destroying seedlings and disinfecting the soil. The planting site is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate; this must be done three times, at intervals of 10 days. All seedlings are sprayed with biofungicide.
The video discusses the reasons for curling leaves in tomatoes. Filmed by Usadovoda.
Insect pests
Gnawing and sucking pests can cause leaves on seedlings to curl, these include:
- whitefly;
- mite;
- black aphid;
- tomato aphid;
- others.
In the presence of insect pests, it is impossible to obtain good and strong shoots. You should know that you can fight them with the help of bioinsecticides that have proven themselves in growing tomatoes. When using them, you must strictly follow the instructions.
Stunted tomato varieties
If the leaves of tomato seedlings curl, but all care conditions are met, the reason may be the characteristics of the varieties.
Varieties characterized by the fact that their leaves are slightly turned down and slightly drooping:
- Japanese crab;
- Oxhart;
- Cherry;
- Honey drop;
- Fatima.
In this case, the leaf blade is normally developed and has a typical color. The large leaves droop and usually curl at the bottom.
If a plant is not happy with something in your care, it signals this with the help of its leaves. They may change color or curl up or down into a tube. Knowing what each of the symptoms means, you can very quickly and easily help the plant return to normal and grow further. If this is not done in time, it may die or later produce a poor harvest.
In this article, we will look at the main reasons why tomato leaves curl down and dry out, and we will also find out what should be done.
Why do the leaves of tomato seedlings curl downwards?
Gardeners are very sensitive to this, so even a slight deviation from the norm in their condition causes them anxiety. Their fears are not always confirmed. For example: if the leaves of a tomato seedling curl downwards and at the same time resemble the shape of a chicken foot, then this is not a sign of a disease. This change occurs because the vein grows faster than the leaf plate itself, and therefore curls. Also, the curling of the leaf ends may be a species feature of the variety, which is more visible in young plants than in adults.
Reasons for leaves curling down in adult tomatoes:
- Feature of the variety. This leaf structure is observed in tall varieties. These include 'Fatima', 'Oxheart', 'Honey Drop' and most varieties.
- Infection with bacterial cancer. This disease, dangerous for plants, can be identified by the following signs:
- the lower leaves begin to quickly wither, change color and dry out;
- cracks and sores form on the stem and petioles;
- When the stem is cut across, a brown ring is visible.
- phosphorus - the leaf blade becomes gray-green, and the veins become purple-red;
- boron - young leaves curl, and the middle ones become yellow with purple veins;
- sulfur - only young leaves also bend, on which necrotic spots then appear;
- copper - not only the ends of the leaves, but also the petioles go down, and subsequently necrosis and chlorosis begin on them.
- Excess of boron and zinc in the soil. Too many of these elements are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- boron - the curled ends of the leaves become dry and brittle, curling starts from the bottom and reaches the top;
- zinc - old leaves bend downwards, in which the underside of the leaf blade from the edges begins to acquire a purple color.
Tomato seedlings in open ground, their roots have been severely damaged, then the plant will not be able to immediately receive enough of the nutrients it needs from the soil, which, as described earlier, leads to the leaves curling down. In this case, this goes away over time without additional feeding.What to do if tomato leaves curl down?
If there is a deficiency of any tomato nutrient, they must be added to the soil. If you cannot determine exactly what is missing, then you should take any complex fertilizer (for example: Polymicro or Sudarushka), or spray the plants with an immunomodulator (Zircon, Epin or Mortar). If there is an excess of microelements, it is worth watering the beds with tomatoes with clean water.
If you have diagnosed that a tomato is infected with bacterial cancer, then you need to get rid of it. At the same time, you should check the bushes adjacent to it. For prevention, all other tomatoes should be sprayed with a solution of copper oxychloride (40 g per 1 liter of water).
The curling of the first embryonic leaves is a natural process: it should not bother you. Cotyledon leaves do not live long, giving way to permanent leaves.
Other causes of curling
Often this phenomenon occurs immediately after tomato seedlings “move” into open ground and only means that the plant is getting used to new conditions. After adaptation, the leaves will take the correct shape.
But you will have to think about the mistake made if time passes and the seedlings’ permanent leaves curl.
- Tender tops of seedlings can suffer from both deficiency and excess water. In this regard, it is important for tomatoes to observe moderation.
- Baking Sun rays- a very likely reason that causes the curling of young leaves. Often, inexperienced gardeners place seedlings on the window sills of glass loggias, forgetting that the glass focuses the beam, forcing the leaves to resort to self-defense.
- Even with good watering of seedlings air The room can be very dry and the leaves will also curl.
- If you forget feed soil, the plant will curl its leaves and most likely dry out.
- Excess fertilizer is also not good: if tomatoes overfeed with nitrogen, twisting will develop in parallel with the completely unnecessary growth of the stepchildren.
- In very rare cases, leaves curl due to the lesion viral infection: the disease, as a catalyst for curling, is still more typical for adult tomatoes, when the curling of the tops is accompanied by yellowing and the appearance of spots.
- More often than not, the reason for twisting is very banal - the roots of grown seedlings do not fit in small glasses and pots, where novice gardeners prefer to grow it.
You can also find out why leaves dry on tomato seedlings by reading the corresponding article on our website.
Optimal conditions
- If seedlings require space, provide it by transferring them to the beds. Is it still cold outside? While waiting for warmer weather, transplant the bushes into larger containers.
- Don’t be overzealous when fertilizing the seedlings—it’s better not to feed them too much. A little ash will be enough for the tomatoes.
- Get rid of extra shoots, but don’t go too far: total destruction of the shoots will deprive the bush of its strength.
- In spring, the soil under the seedlings may be cold at elevated air temperatures, which means the roots do not have time to absorb moisture. If leaves curl for this reason, reduce soil moisture to warm it up.
- Tomato seedlings may simply freeze if spring is late outside the window. Then the plant also begins to slow down - it develops slowly, its leaves curl. To invigorate tomato bushes, spray them with epin (once every two weeks) or zircon.
- In case of sudden cold weather, cover the plants with non-woven material overnight.
- If the leaves curl from overheating, place a barrier in the form of newspaper between the tomatoes and the glass. You can move the seedlings away from the scorching rays of the sun, and get rid of dry air using a household humidifier.
Reasons for leaves curling on tomatoes (video)
