Do these pics of my tomato plant look like disease or bugs

[dianabauman]

Hello.

This is my second year growing a vegetable garden. I noticed that my tomato plants on the bottom leaves have spots. They are not black but some even have holes. It makes me wonder if they are some sort of parasite?? Can anyone help me out? Not sure if I should get rid of the plants and buy some new ones.







My garden in a local community garden in Iowa

[Grey]

Well, to me it looks like two things - ants (or some other little critter) making the little holes and the other is caused by leaves too close to the ground getting wet. I usually remove the bottom leaves just to prevent "splash up" from causing problems or traveling up the plant. Bugs can be controlled with Neem oil

[dianabauman]

Thank you so much.

I was really hoping it was some sort of bug rather than a disease. I'm not quite sure what Neem Oil is or where to find it but I'll google that right now. Thanks again for your help!

[Grey]

You can find Neem at most big box stores - it smells kind of citrusy & is all natural (no chemicals). I found it at Lowe's here.

[dianabauman]

I will check into our Lowes here. Thanks again!

[meesh]

That is flea beetle damage. They are tiny little jumpers. Ortho bug b-gone lists them.

[dianabauman]

Will Neem Oil take care of them?

[Grey]

Probably. Neem takes care of a great many critters.

[opabinia51]

Looking at the pictures I would say that is a fungal infection from water and soil splashing up when you are watering. The best way to remedy this is to prune off the bottom branches of your tomatoe plants. And also to be a little careful while watering.

[dianabauman]

I'm a bit confused now. If it's a fungal infection does this mean it will spread to the rest of the plant? Should I just get rid of them and buy some new ones??

[dianabauman]

Well I just got back from my garden and pulled all of the bottom foliage off that was touching the ground. The rest of the plants look fine so I'm just going to see how they do within the next week to see if any of the other leaves get that way or not.

Thanks for all of the help.