Knowledgebase
Tomato leaf damage #935927
Asked June 17, 2026, 7:42 PM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
What is striking about the leaf spots on the tomatoes is they are white. The spots typically found in tomato fungal diseases are brown to black. See:
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/vegetable/tomato/leavesspots.html
When white spots are observed, these are usually due to flea beetles (Epitrix cucumeris). Although they have a common name of potato flea beetle, they readily feed on tomatoes as well. The adults feed on the leaves, making small pits, whitish scars, and tiny round holes. Heavy feeding on young transplants can stunt growth or, rarely, kill very small plants. Older, vigorous tomato plants can usually tolerate moderate leaf feeding; fruit is rarely directly damaged.
See the following for further information including remedial procedures:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/flea-beetles
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/flea-beetles-vegetables/
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/factsheets/flea-beetles-minn.pdf
Good luck in dealing with these critters. Please get back to us with any additional questions. Thanks for using our forum.