Remove infected leaves immediately. Dispose of severely diseased plants before they contaminate others. Old sacks, baskets, decaying vegetables and other debris should be kept out of the garden. Weeds attract or support insect populations and harbor plant diseases that may be transmitted to plants. One of the most effective practices to minimize disease and insect problems is to scout the garden.
Early detection is helpful.
Do not smoke any tobacco products while working in the garden. After smoking outside the garden, wash hands before entering the garden. Tomato, pepper and eggplant are susceptible to a mosaic virus disease which is common in tobaccos and may be spread by hands. Stake plants or plant them in wire cages to prevent the fruit from touching the soil and rotting. The timing of planting and harvest can be helpful in controlling certain pests.