Kat

Probably not a problem. I have those "buds" particularly if the weather is humid. I think they'd continue growing outward as roots if the stems were buried. Rooting along the stem if covered with dirt is one way they spread out in the wild.

Kat, those bumps are called root primordia or adventitious roots and as anney said if they make contact with the soil the roots grow into the soil.

I grow my tomato plants by sprawling and count on those adventitious roots to give me a huge root network that increases nutrient and water uptake for my plants.

Carolyn

Most times these do not matter. Still be vigilant and watch for other signs of disease just in case.

Several diseases often induce the formation of adventious roots such as pith necrosis, southern wilt and a few others that inhibit the flow of the vascular system.

Other signs to watch for would be wilting, browning of the stems, splitting of the stems or browning of the foliage.