Catfacing – Tomato catface
Catfacing
Common name
Catfacing
Tomato catface
Causal agent
Catfacing is caused by extreme fluctuations in temperature and soil moisture. Pruning and high nitrogen levels in the soil can also damage crops.
Symptoms & Signs
The most prominent symptoms include wrinkling and distortion of the shape of tomatoes. It also develops a tan scar on the blossom end of the fruit. The abnormal cracks and dimples on the stem end of the fruit are irregular and may cause rot or infection in the cracks. The puckered distortion resembles a cat’s face, hence the name.
Time of concern
Throughout the crop-growing season
Common hosts
Tomato
Grapes
Peach
Apples