What type of mold is referred to as "Tomato black mold"?

"Tomato black mold" is commonly associated with the genus Alternaria, specifically Alternaria alternata. This type of mold can affect tomatoes, causing dark, sunken lesions on the fruit, which can make them unmarketable and lead to significant yield losses. The characteristics of the mold include black or dark brown coloration, which aligns with its common name. In addition to tomatoes, Alternaria species can also impact various other crops, making it a notable concern for growers.

The other choices represent different pathogens with distinct characteristics and host plants. Rhizoctonia is primarily known for root rot and damping-off diseases rather than the black mold symptoms specific to tomatoes. Botrytis is notorious for causing gray mold, particularly in other fruits and vegetables, while Sclerotinia typically leads to white mold diseases. Therefore, the association of "Tomato black mold" specifically with Alternaria sp. highlights its relevance in the context of plant pathogens affecting tomato crops.