What Causes The Tomato Plants Leaf To Curl

The sudden curling of tomato leaves raises concerns and needs to be explored vividly. So, join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries behind this phenomenon.

In this blog post, we will provide you with the necessary knowledge to address the issue and keep your plants thriving. But before you start reading through this article, take a look at this guide that deals exclusively with growing tomatoes from seed.

What Causes The Leaves On Tomato Plants To Curl?

Tomato plant leaf curl is not something that you should ignore. Curling tomato leaves puts your harvest at risk.

I have listed below the top causes for tomato leaves curling, and those are:

1. Excessive Pruning

Severe pruning techniques result in the curling of the tomato leaves at times. Avoid removing too many leaves at once, which causes the plant to curl its leaves.

2. Tough Growing Conditions

High temperatures, drought, excessive moisture, or extreme weather fluctuations cause tomato leaf curl. This is a common phenomenon as the plants try to conserve water and protect themselves from the stresses.

3. Transplantation Shock

The leaves on your tomato may also curl from the recent transplantation shock. Plants that are moved to a new environment experience the stress of moving as a result of which the leaves start showing signs of curling.

4. Poor Soil

Tomato plants prefer acidic soil, but extreme pH levels cause the leaves to curl. So, it is important to check the pH level of the soil before you go ahead with the planting procedure.

5. Wind Damage

Using windbreaks or any other protective barrier will shield your plants from strong winds. Strong winds can also cause your tomato leaves to curl and twist as a protective measure.

6. Pests

Insects like broad mites infect tomato plants, curling their leaves. Therefore, using sulfur-based pesticides will ensure plants are free of infestation. Avoiding pesticides can be dangerous for plants in the long run.

7. Herbicide Drift

Herbicide drift is also another cause of tomato leaves curling. So, avoiding herbicide use and ensuring proper disposal of treated hay and manure will help to minimize the issue.

8. Extreme Temperature

High or extreme temperatures can also cause tomato leaves to curl upwards. The heat and sun stress cause the leaves to curl upwards.

9. Excessive Sunlight

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to curl. So, the plants should get enough shade from the hot afternoon sun and an adequate water supply.

10. Underwatering

Tomato plants need constant moisture to thrive, and the leaf curling phenomenon occurs due to water imbalance or loss. If the plants experience water stress, leaf curling becomes visible.

11. Nutrient Imbalance

Nitrogen excess or deficiency in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium also leads to the curling of leaves.

12. Excessive Fertilizer

Excessive nitrogen application on tomato plants results in curling. At that moment, staying away from fertilizer application will help resolve the issue.

13. Viral Infection

Certain viruses can also cause leaf curl. These viruses are transmitted by insects such as whiteflies or through infected transplants.

How To Prevent Or Control Tomato Leaf Curl?

Here are some recommendations to prevent leaf curl on tomatoes:

Choose Determinate Growing Tomatoes

Choosing determinate tomatoes does not require more pruning, which minimizes the risk of leaf curling and reduces the stress on the plant. Also, determinate tomatoes require less fertilizer and nutrients, which prevents subsequent leaf curls.

Harden The Tomato Seedlings Properly Before Planting Them In The Garden

Hardening the tomato seedlings before planting them will result in fewer chances of the plants receiving the transplantation shock. This in turn will result in fewer chances of leaf curling.

Avoid Overwatering

Proper watering will ensure consistent moisture in the soil. Underwatering will curl leaves in an attempt to conserve water.

Shading

Using nets to provide shade for the plants during extreme temperatures will reduce heat stress and prevent the leaves from curling.

Avoid Excessive Pruning

Excessive pruning results in leaf curling. When too many leaves are pruned at once, the plant responds by curling them as a protective measure.

Treating Pests And Disease

Leaf curling is caused by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and broad mites. Monitoring for these pests can be beneficial, as can using natural methods to control pests.

Maintain A Consistent Moisture Level In The Soil

Fluctuations in soil moisture can result in leaf curling due to stress. Therefore, maintaining a consistent moisture level will help prevent leaf curling.