The volume of flame, however, is increased by inert gas, and there is a proportionate diminution of the heating effect. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 Various. Nitrogen by itself is an inert gas, colorless and uninflammable. Scientific American Supplement No. 819 Various.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. The tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) causes dark brown, purple or black spots on leaves. The spots can spread to the stems, causing cankers and streaks. The foliage begins to wilt once the disease spreads, and the leaves become stiff.
Tomatoes with black holes on the bottom are most likely affected by blossom end rot, which is not a disease, but a physiological problem. Blossom end rot begins as circular brown or greenish-black patch opposite the stem, often starting out as a dime-sized lesion.