White, powdery stuff on stem

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BetNC Hendersonville, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 19, 2015

I have (had) two Tumbling Tom plants in a 5-gallon shop bucket. The runt is (was) about 9 inches tall, with 2 short leaf branches and 4 fruit.

I was alarmed when I saw white, powdery stuff on the top 2/3 of the runt's stem, extending a bit on one branch and the tomato cluster . . . .I panicked and, when I couldn't pull the runt out, cut it off at the red rubber mulch level (1 inch on top of the container soil) BEFORE I took pics (so, I do not have any pictures).

What was it?

Did I over react?

Is there something I should do or spray to mkeep it from spreading to my other plant / other containers??

Post #10097636
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jmc1987 Cascade, VA(Zone 7a) Jun 20, 2015

i would definitely say over reaction, lol.

Often times white powdery stuff on stems means mealy bugs (if you touch it, you will see them jump away) Usually your basic home made dish soap concoction will take care of those, or if there are just one or two of them, i try to be fast, and squish by hand, lol.

Post #10097781
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BetNC Hendersonville, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 20, 2015

I used a magnifying glass to further examine The Stuff: NOT mealy bug, aphids or anything living. It's also NOT root extensions covering the stem, leaves and tomato.

Here's pics of The Runt, temporarily uncovered for this photo shoot.

Thumbnail by BetNC Thumbnail by BetNC
Post #10097939
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jmc1987 Cascade, VA(Zone 7a) Jun 20, 2015

if there are no bugs, then it looks like your plant had something called White mold

This message was edited Jun 20, 2015 6:59 PM

Post #10097948
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BetNC Hendersonville, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 20, 2015

is that bad??

Can it spread to my other tomatoes / cpmtainers?

Post #10098075
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OutsidePlaying Laceys Spring, AL(Zone 7a) Jul 13, 2015

I presume you ruled out wooly aphids? Some folks around here have had a problem with those this year. They do have a cottony appearance on shrubs and flowers.

Post #10110786
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