Setting clean transplants into a field where canker-infected tomato was grown the previous year will result in early infection with canker and reduced yields. This has been documented by research and by grower experience in Massachusetts. Bacterial canker survives in the field as long as there is any infected crop debris. It lasts longer in debris on the surface than it does in buried debris, plowing after harvest will help to speed up the decomposition. We have seen outbreaks of canker where tomatoes are planted in rotated ground that is adjacent to last year's tomato ground.
Prevention is cost-effective .
Prevention strategies are both the least expensive and the most effective way to beat bacterial canker. Image from Ohio State University Extension Website Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate. The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing.