Cercospora leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and trees. It is caused by several different species of fungi in the genus Cercospora, each of which tends to infect specific host plants. Symptoms of cercospora leaf spot typically include the appearance of small, circular spots on leaves. These spots may be brown, tan, gray, or purple, and they may have a raised or sunken appearance. As the disease progresses, the spots may enlarge and coalesce, causing leaves to yellow, wilt, and fall off. In severe cases, the disease can defoliate entire plants.
- Type of Infestation: Fungal Disease
- Common Name: Cercospora Leaf Spot
- Causal Organism: Cercospora malayensis
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaf
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Warm, humid weather with frequent rain or overhead watering.
- Dense planting that restricts air circulation.
- Presence of infected plant debris in the soil.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
Small, brown, irregular spots with a reddish or pink border on the lower leaves, gradually progressing to upper leaves.
- Spots enlarge and merge, becoming circular with an ashy-gray center and reaching up to 4mm in diameter.
- Tissue in the center of the spots becomes thin, brittle, and may fall out, leaving ragged holes.
- In severe cases, leaves may roll, wilt, and fall prematurely, defoliating the plant.
- Sooty mold may develop on the underside of leaves.
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
| Products | Technical Names | Dosages |
| samartha | Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP | 300-400 grams per acre |
| Dr Blight | Metalaxyl-M 3.3% + Chlorothalonil 33.1% SC | 300-400 ml/acre |
| Kzeb | Mancozeb 75% WP | 500gm per Acre |
| Propi | Propineb 70% WP | 600 - 800 grams per Acre |
| KTM | Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP | 250-600 grams per acre |
