To grow tomatoes successfully, you need to be aware of three common disease or cultural practice problems. Early season problems may begin with blossom end rot. An environmentally induced abnormality, end rot occurs when temperatures are too cool during fruit set. As a result, the ends of tomatoes don't develop, are flattened, and turn black or dark brown. Erratic watering habits also contribute to this problem.
Early blight is a fungus that affects leaves throughout the summer.
As plants begin to grow and leaf material fills in and touches other plants, air circulation is reduced. The humid microclimate that develops as a result of reduced air circulation is ideal for the early blight fungus. When the fungus is present, lower leaves begin to turn yellow and contain dark brown circular spots. To avoid the problem, be sure to allow adequate space between plants. Dusting with sulfur may help control severe disease problems.