Tomato Leaf Curling

Question: Thank you for looking at this question.  We have tomatoes being grown in pots.  They have fresh soil this year (this curling happened last year as well so we changed the soil thinking that could be the problem).  The leaves are curling back on themselves but still have a solid structure (not flimsy like dry leaves get).  One plant has a tomato on it, but the rest are failing to even produce blossoms.  They are growing tall like they should be all of the leaves are curling.  There is consistent watering, but not overwatering. They are in a sunny location.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 8:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Danielle, thanks for the question. How frustrating this must be.  In most cases leaf curling is the plants response to stressors such as high heat and humidity, heavy pruning, et al.  With the heat this could be the problem.  What does the rest of the plant look like?  How do your feed your plant?   Do you or your neighbors use a lawn service? Do live close to a farm field?  What did you replace the soil with? Are these being grown outside or in a greenhouse?  That this would happen two years in a row would suggest some common factor. I would look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you for replying and the concern.  The entire plant is curling, the stem seems to be thick and sturdy, but the leaves are all curled.  They are in planters, large planters.  I use rain water collected from the eaves of my barn to water them and water them in the morning daily. We live in a secluded area with no farm fields or neighbors around and we do not use any lawn services or spray for weeds, pests, etc.  This year I used bought potting soil to fill the pots, not miracle gro, just a common potting soil.  I used the soil removed from last year to plant beans and squash and they are growing just fine.  Prior to last year, I was able to grow tomatoes in these pots just fine, I just can’t figure out what is different last year and this year.   Thank you!   Danielle Schrock Consumer Horticulture Instructor Michigan State University Extension 555 W. Cedar Ave Gladwin, MI 48624 ‪Office:<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>      Lawn & Garden Questions: www.migarden.msu.edu                                                         MSU Extension programs and material are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.     Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishianaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 8:49 PM To: Schrock, Danielle <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tomato Leaf Curling (#0144317)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Hi Daniel, You could submit a sample to the Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) for a fee.  If you do make sure you follow the tips for sample submission.   On another note, have you looked at these plants under magnification.  Broad mites can cause leaf curling. They are very small, smaller that spider mites. Broad Mites on High Tunnel Tomatoes | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu) E-626-What-Makes-Tomato-Leaves-Twist-or-Curl.pdf (tamu.edu)