ALT – Alternaria Leaf Spot
Scientific Name: Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria cucumerina, Alternaria dauci
Type: Fungus
Alternaria Leaf Spot, also known Alternaria Leaf Blight, is a world-wide fungal disease that affects the growth of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupes & melons, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, pumpkins, radishes, rutabaga, squash, tomatoes, turnips, and watermelons. Symptoms may first develop on young plants where leaf spots develop, plants become stunted, and damping off may occur. Greenish-brown lesions appear on the leaves, and turn from dark brown to black spots. The disease may appear on the leaves at any stage and start off as concentric circles and mature to lesions with a bulls eye appearance. The leaves curl, turn yellow, wither, and eventually die off, and heavy infestations may cause complete defoliation. The infected plants should be removed to avoid further infestation. Increase space between the plants to maximize air flow and drying of the leaves. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 75-82 F and usually occur when moisture and humidity are very high. Plan on using a 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, as the disease can survive in the soil for 8 years. Fungicides can help manage the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.
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