Black spots on tomato seedlings - fungus or bugs?

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SummerLuna Williamsburg, VA(Zone 7b) Apr 23, 2012

Hi everyone,
The two photos here are of the black spots affecting my seedling tomato leaves. These tomatoes have been outside hardening off for the last 10 days, so it's hard to believe they've caught a fungus when they're finally out of the stuffy greenhouse! Am I wrong? Does it look like fungus to you?

Here's my plan:
1) pinch off damaged leaves
2) spray remaining leaves with weak camomile tea...an antifungal.

Do you think my plan is enough to nip this in the bud? If folks here think it's definately fungal, I'll go buy a commercial antifungal too. It's affecting the majority of my tomato plants and I don't want to lose them.

Your opinion is appreciated!!
Belinda

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Apr 23, 2012

Post your pics on the Tomatoes forum. You'll get many expert answers there.

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Apr 23, 2012

Looks about the same like the damage I got from sucking insects. I see green and brown tiny crickets flying of the plants when they are brushed.

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podster Deep East Texas, TX(Zone 8a) Apr 23, 2012

It also resembles damage done by white flies. They are seen on the underside of the leaves. And as Birke said, they will fly when the foliage is brushed.

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Apr 23, 2012

They can also make the leaves sticky from their excretement. It's called honey dew. Have you seen any small flying bugs or are the leaves sticky? I can honestly say that I have not seen that on leaves before, and I thought i'd seen everything.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Apr 24, 2012

If it's white flies, hit em with some soapy water (lemon Ajax or some citrus scent). I have those for the first time. Mine look like fuzzy little flies. Not any damage that I can see, cause I stay after them.

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Apr 24, 2012

And remember if these are white flies or crickets or thrips or whatever insect, you have to keep spraying if you go organic. They will be back.

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SummerLuna Williamsburg, VA(Zone 7b) Apr 24, 2012

Thanks for your suggestions! A couple of the plants did have that sticky residue, and I wondered what it was. But I haven't seen an infestation. I have seen a couple aphids(I think), and a LOT of spiders. Perhaps the spiders are catching them at a rate that keeps the population down to some degree. I will try the soapy water.
Thanks, again,
Belinda

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