Common leaf spot
Mycosphaerella fragariae
Also Known As - Leaf spot CommonWhat is a Common leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae)?
Common leaf spot is a fungal disease caused by Mycosphaerella fragariae (anamorph=Ramularia tulasnei) that affects strawberry plants. Infected plants display small, deep purple spots on the upper surface of leaves. As the disease progresses, these spots enlarge to 0.125 to 0.25 inches (3–6 mm) in diameter. The center of the spots turns brown, then gray to white depending on leaf age and environmental conditions. In severe cases, the spots may merge and kill the leaves. Elongated lesions can also develop on petioles, stolons, calyxes, and fruit trusses.
How does Common leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae) occurs?
The fungus overwinters on infected leaves and as sclerotia. During moist weather conditions, conidia are abundantly produced in lesions on infected leaves. These conidia are then spread to healthy tissues through rain-splashing. The disease cycle continues as the conidia germinate on susceptible young leaf tissue, leading to new infections. Long wet periods and warm temperatures create favorable conditions for disease development, particularly in the spring and fall.
Symptoms
1 - Effects on Plants
• Common leaf spot weakens plants by damaging leaves, reducing photosynthesis, and impacting overall plant vigor. • Severe infections can lead to defoliation, reducing energy production and affecting fruit quality and yield. • Fruit infections (black seed disease) result in hard, leathery spots, impacting appearance and market value.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Use disease-free planting stock to reduce initial inoculum. • Maintain good plant hygiene by removing and disposing of infected leaves and plant debris after harvest. • Practice crop rotation to reduce disease buildup in the soil. • Choose planting locations with optimal environmental conditions that are less conducive to disease development. • Use drip irrigation or water at times that promote rapid drying of foliage to minimize leaf wetness.
2 - Biocontrol Agents
• Bacillus subtilis: Commercial products such as Serenade ASO and Serenade Optimum contain this beneficial bacterium that can suppress common leaf spot. • Trichoderma spp.: Trichoderma-based products like Root Shield Plus WP and Trichodex are effective in controlling fungal diseases, including common leaf spot.
3 - Chemical Control
• Several fungicides with brand names are available including Bravo Weather Stik (chlorothalonil), Rally 40W (myclobutanil), Captan 80 WDG (captan), and Cuprofix Ultra 40 Disperss (copper-based) azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (Quadris Top), and iprodione (Rovral) are also commonly used to manage the disease. • It is important to follow the instructions on the product label for proper application and safety precautions. Consult with local agricultural experts or extension services for specific brand recommendations based on your region and local regulations.
Susceptible Species
Marina Strawberry Tree
Pacific Madrone*
Strawberry Tree
hybrid strawberry tree
strawberry tree
strawberry foxglove
strawberry bush
strawberry
junebearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
wild strawberry
everbearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
wild strawberry
woodland strawberry
scarlet strawberry
yellow strawberry guava
strawberry geranium
barren strawberry
barren strawberry
piedmont barren strawberry
Strawberry Leaf Raspberry
garden strawberry
coastal strawberry
Strawberry Ground-Cherry
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry Firetails
Grecian strawberry tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Ice Bravaisia
Himalayan Strawberry tree
Strawberry Snowball Tree
Indian Strawberry
Strawberry Cream
Strawberry
Taffeta Plant
Blue Strawberry Flowers
Strawberry tree
Balloon Berry
Strawberry Begonia
Chilean Guava
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
