Causal Agent:
Fungus (Corynespora cassiicola)
| Characteristic Symptoms: | |
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Small spots on leaves with light brown center and faint concentric rings and surrounded by a yellow halo. |
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Older leaves are most likely to be affected. |
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Heavy infection may result in premature defoliation. |
| Conditions for Disease Development: | |
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The disease is favored by moderate temperatures (20-28°C) and extended periods of leaf wetness (16h or more).
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The fungus infects many crops, including pepper, cucumber, tomato, ornamentals and weeds.
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The fungus can colonize weeds or other crop and remains viable for up to two years. |
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The disease is spread by air-borne conidia/spores.
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Rain splashes or windblown soil particles create wounds in the fruit for spores to enter. |
| Management and Control: | |
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Use disease-free seedlings.
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Maintain good field sanitation (i.e. remove affected leaves as soon as symptoms are observed).
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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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