Tomato Leaf Roll: Complete Treatment Guide
What is Tomato Leaf Roll?
Symptoms
- Leaves rolling or curling upward from the edges
- Lower, older leaves affected first
- Leaves become thick and leathery but remain green
- Multiple leaves may be affected, giving the plant a tight, compact appearance
- Can occur on individual stems or the entire plant
- Despite appearance, fruit production usually remains normal
What Causes Tomato Leaf Roll?
- Environmental stress (high temperatures)
- Heavy pruning or excessive handling
- Overwatering or poor soil drainage
- High nitrogen fertilization
- Transplant shock
- Viral infections (less common)
- Root damage from cultivation
How to Treat Tomato Leaf Roll
Organic Treatments
- Apply seaweed extract to reduce plant stress
- Use compost tea to improve soil structure
- Add organic mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture
- Incorporate bone meal to balance nutrients
- Apply crushed eggshells to improve calcium uptake
Chemical Treatments
- Use balanced NPK fertilizer to correct nutrient imbalances
- Apply calcium nitrate if calcium deficiency is suspected
- Use complete fertilizer with micronutrients for overall plant health
Cultural Controls
- Maintain consistent watering schedule
- Avoid overwatering - allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat
- Improve soil drainage if needed
- Minimize plant disturbance and pruning during high temperatures
- Space plants properly for good air circulation
How to Prevent Tomato Leaf Roll
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
- Mulch to maintain even soil moisture
- Avoid heavy pruning during hot weather
- Plant heat-tolerant varieties in hot climates
- Maintain proper spacing between plants
- Water at soil level to avoid wet foliage