Causal Agent: 

Fungus (Corynespora cassiicola)

 

Characteristic Symptoms:
 
Small spots on leaves with light brown center and faint concentric rings and surrounded by a yellow halo.
   
Older leaves are most likely to be affected.
   
Heavy infection may result in premature defoliation.
   
Conditions for Disease Development:
 
The disease is favored by moderate temperatures (20-28°C) and extended periods of leaf wetness (16h or more).
   
The fungus infects many crops, including pepper, cucumber, tomato, ornamentals and weeds.
   
The fungus can colonize weeds or other crop and remains viable for up to two years.
   
The disease is spread by air-borne conidia/spores.
   
Rain splashes or windblown soil particles create wounds in the fruit for spores to enter.
   
Management and Control:
 
Use disease-free seedlings.
   
Maintain good field sanitation (i.e. remove affected leaves as soon as symptoms are observed).
   
Spray with chemical fungicides such as metalaxyl+mancozeb (e.g. Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WGⓇ, Apron XL 350 ESⓇ), difenoconazole (e.g. ScoreⓇ, MontanaⓇ, PursueⓇ, BashⓇ) or difenoconazole+proficonazole (e.g. ArmureⓇ).
   

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