Reports of late blight on tomato around McDowell and Rutherford Counties have been circulating, but not yet confirmed. Regardless, growers should monitor frequently for symptoms of late blight and begin applying systemic fungicides.

Update (8/18/2025): To date, all reports of late blight have been confirmed as other diseases of tomato and not late blight. Please submit samples to the PDIC or Inga Meadows (inga_meadows@ncsu.edu) if you suspect late blight.

Late blight on tomato leaf

Tomatoes and potatoes are extremely susceptible to this disease and can be significantly defoliated within days if environmental conditions are conducive. Heavy morning dews and cool, wet weather favor this disease.

For more information about late blight and how to manage it, see the tomato late blight fact sheet, which lists effective products against late blight. The NC State Tomato Spray Program also provides effective products. Control recommendations are also available in the USAblight website, where you can register to receive text and/or email alerts when new disease outbreaks are reported.

If you think you have late blight in your tomatoes, please contact your local Extension agent and send photos and/or physical samples to the NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. If late blight is confirmed in your samples by an expert, please submit a report to the USAblight website to alert other growers. The USAblight website also contains information about disease identification and control.