Septoria Leaf Spot
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Septoria leaf spot (Septoria lycopersici) may occur in protected structures where tomatoes are cropped in the same soils year after year, or disease may initially begin near open sidewalls. Circular brown lesions with tan centers appear on foliage. Small black specks (pycnidia) are often found in centers of older lesions. Disease begins in lowest leaves and can progress up plants. Complete defoliation may result when disease is severe. Fruit are not affected; however, lesions may develop on stems under high disease pressure.
Septoria leaf spot on tomato foliage in planting.
(Photo: Kenneth Seebold, University of Kentucky)
Close-up of Septoria leaf spot.
(Photo: Kenneth Seebold, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Practice crop rotation.
- Apply labeled fungicides on a regular schedule.
- Remove infected crop debris promptly at season end.
