What are the visible symptoms of tomato black mold on plants?

Tomato black mold, also known as Alternaria alternata, is a fungal disease that prominently features dark lesions on the plant's surface. These lesions typically appear as dark spots or patches on leaves and stems, which can progress to a more extensive decay of the plant tissue. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of this disease is the production of a dark mass of spores that can form a "carpet" on affected tissues, contributing to the visual identification of the infection.

In contrast, while yellowing leaves, wilting stems, and browning edges can be symptoms associated with a variety of plant health issues or other diseases, they are not specific to tomato black mold. The distinctive dark lesions and the carpet of spores are key indicators that help in accurately diagnosing this particular pathogen and differentiating it from other plant diseases.