Water Spots
Water spots
Common name
Water spots
Bacterial leaf spot
Fungal leaf spot
Causal agent
Water spots are commonly caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
Scientific name
Pseudomonas spp.
Xanthomonas spp.
Cercospora spp.
Microsphaeropsis spp.
Septoria spp.
Symptoms & Signs
Water spots are characterized by water-soaked lesions that may unite to form a larger spot. The lesions sometimes also secrete a sticky ooze. When the weather turns dry, the lesions dry out and turn reddish brown. Due to leaf stress, the plant weakens overall and displays premature leaf loss.
Transmission
Depending on the cause of the disease, the infection can transmit through fungal spores or bacterial pathogens. It is common during wet, rainy seasons since the water helps spread the infection.
Time of concern
Spring and early fall
Common hosts
Cherry
Plum
Lettuce
Tomato
Pepper
Zinnias