A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Curling Tomato Leaves

Dear readers,
I work in a greenhouse in Wyoming. I have a problem with the newest leaves on some of my tomato plants stay curled up and will not ever open up and become full leaves. The plants are about 2 feet high now and the older leaves are fine. I have about 50 plants now of three varieties. About 8 of them are showing signs of the issue or already have this problem.
I'm planted in 18 inch raised beds with a blend of perlite, coco peat, topsoil, composted manure and a nice blend of slow release organic fertilizers. My PH is a bit high 7.5 because of the imported soils. Very good draining soil. Not watering during the heat. Not watering the leaves. Good even moisture throughout the beds. greenhouse temps running 65 to 95 degrees. Dry here in Wyoming and the wet wall doesn't create a great deal of moisture. NPK are all medium-high to high on soil tests.
No signs of spider mites, no discoloration in the leaves, affected plants some together and some independent and not affecting one certain variety to also mention.
I feel like more of them are falling victim to this slowly over the last three weeks.

Any thoughts?
TMW

I think the problem might be of the soil, one more thing you can do put the left out water of meat it is good.

The only time I've had tomato plant leaves curl up was when I over fertilized but given time they did unfurl. I hope you find an answer to your question.

Stella66 I was told never to use animal by-products on my plants. You use meat juices on yours?

I had the same problem but the plants that did have it either died or survived. The one's that did survive went on to have a healthy crop of tomatoes.

It may be the climate. We had lots of curl leaves an brown end leaves an the plants turned out swell for mators.
Ole mom nature doesnt always give us the correct things.
Is the new growth green an not curling?

I just broke off the worst plants an let it growm

dodge zone 5

Have you had any whitefly infestation? I just ask because you don't show a photo and they can spread Tomato leaf curl virus. Just something to check into among other problems that cause leaf curling.

I did in doors.
It really worked the tomatoes an some flowers over. Actually kills them. Winter htey seem to get inside .

Hate that

dodge

Leaf roll, or leaf curl, is a physiologic distortion that may develop with periods of cool, rainy weather. It cause the lower leaves to roll upward and become thick and leathery. Leaf roll does not affect plant growth or fruit production and requires no treatment. Tomato leaves can curl for several reasons. The two most common are herbicide damage and watering problems. Tomatoes are very sensitive to common weed killers, and fine mists of herbicide spray can easily drift into gardens without being noticed.

Physiological leaf roll may be associated with environmental stresses such as excess moisture, excess nitrogen, and transplant shock. Leaf roll may also be related to moisture conservation during periods of extreme heat and drought. Improper cultural practices such as severe pruning and root damage during cultivation can also cause leaf roll symptoms.

Herbicides can distort the foliage and fruit of tomatoes. They are especially sensitive to 2,4-D. Damage can bend the leaves down, causing cupping and thickening. New leaves are narrow and twisted and do not fully expand. Fruit may be catfaced and fail to ripen. Exposure can occur when herbicides are applied to lawns for weed control and the spray "drifts". Resultant fumes can also effect the plants for several days after treatment. Clippings from grass that has been sprayed with a herbicide should not be used as mulch in the vegetable garden. If the exposure is minimal, the plant will outgrow the injury. Be sure to water the affected plants thoroughly and often. Click for Tips for growing tomatoes