New app helps diagnose, treat sick tomato plants

Tomatoes are one of the most common garden crops in the U.S. But while popular, they are not always easy to treat when affected by plant diseases or bugs.

"With such a wide range of pests that affect tomato plants, gardeners at all levels — and even professional growers — can have a difficult time identifying and treating them," said Neil Bell, OSU Extension Horticulturalist in Marion County.

Enter "Tomato MD," part of the new "Plant Health" family of apps for the iPhone or iPad. "Tomato MD" is an interactive reference that helps gardeners, professional growers and consultants identify and manage more than 35 key diseases, insects and physiological disorders of tomatoes.

"Tomato MD is unique in that tomato experts have peer-reviewed all content to ensure the images and information are accurate," Bell said. And while the information was reviewed by scientists, it is very accessible and published in an easy-to-use, non-scientific format.

Specific features of this app include:

• An index of more than 35 common diseases, insects and mites that affect tomato plants. Once the disease or pest is isolated, users can learn more about causes and sources, symptoms, management strategies, other plants that may serve as host to the pest and more useful information

• A peer-reviewed photo gallery of insects and mites and the specific damage they cause

• A diagnostic key of tomato diseases based on physical symptoms and the location of infection, including the leaves, stem, fruit and whole plant

• A tutorial on packing diagnostic samples for the identification of diseases, insect and mite pests, and other disorders

• An updated list of U.S. diagnostic labs where samples can be sent

• Fully downloadable content. No internet or cellular connection is needed to operate the app once it is fully downloaded

The entire Tomato MD app can be purchased at the introductory rate of just $1.99 through August 17.

Users can sample Tomato MD via the APS Plant Health app. Users can also find and sample the app by searching "Tomato MD" or "Plant Health" in their iPhone or iPad App Store.

For more information about gardening, contact the OSU Extension Service in Marion County at 503-588-5301 orhttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/marion/

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