Cercospora Beet Leaf Spot – Cercospora beticola

Cercospora beet leaf spot Common name Cercospora beet leaf spot Causal agent It is caused by an air-borne fungus that infects the Chenopodium group Scientific name Cercospora beticola Symptoms & Signs Leaf spots start appearing, which soon convert to purple and ash-colored lesions. The lesions first appear in older leaves and slowly progress to younger leaves. Lesions can also extend to stems, petioles, and seeds. Severely infected leaves turn yellow due to chlorosis and may wilt and die. Transmission The fungus produces spores in warm conditions, which spread the disease by transferring through wind, water, insects, tools, and human contact. High temperature, humidity, and rain favor the growth of fungi and the spread of this disease. Time of concern Late summer Common hosts Table beet Sugar beet Spinach Swiss chard