Septoria Leaf Spot
Septoria lycopersici
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameSeptoria Leaf Spot
DescriptionSeptoria leaf spot causes numerous small, circular spots on lower leaves, leading to heavy defoliation. Identify the dark borders and grey centers to protect your tomatoes.
TypeFungus
FamilyMycosphaerellaceae
GenusSeptoria
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumAscomycota
SubphylumPezizomycotina
ClassDothideomycetes
OrderMycosphaerellales
Features
- One of the most common and destructive diseases of tomato foliage worldwide. Named for the genus Septoria, a wide group of fungal pathogens
- Identified by numerous small, circular spots (1.5 - 3 mm) that first appear on the oldest, lower leaves of the plant after the first fruit set
- Each spot has a dark brown margin and a lighter grey or tan center. As the spots age, tiny black specks (fruiting bodies called pycnidia) may be visible in the centers
- Infected leaves eventually turn yellow, then brown, and fall off the plant. The disease progresses upward, often leaving the plant with only a small tuft of green at the top
- The fungus overwinters on infected plant debris and common weeds. It does NOT live in the soil for long but is splashed onto lower leaves by rain or irrigation
- Fungal spores are microscopic. The massive number of tiny spots and the resulting early defoliation are the primary diagnostic features
- Thrives in warm (15-27°C), wet, and humid weather. Frequent rainfall or overhead watering provides the moisture needed for spore germination and spread
- Primarily attacks tomatoes, but different Septoria species affect wheat, celery, parsley, and many ornamental flowers
- Prevent by using mulch to prevent soil splashing onto leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Ensure wide plant spacing for air circulation and practice a 3-year crop rotation
- Remove and destroy infected lower leaves early in the season. Use organic fungicides like copper or sulfur-based sprays to slow the upward spread of the disease
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificSeptoria lycopersici
English (Alternate)Septoria blight, Tomato leaf spot
Hindiसेप्टोरिया लीफ स्पॉट (Septoria leaf spot)
Tamilசெப்டோரியா இலைப்புள்ளி நோய் (Septoria ilaippulli noy)
Teluguసెప్టోరియా ఆకుమచ్చ తెగులు (Septoria akumaccha tegulu)
Malayalamഇലപ്പൊട്ട് (Ilappoṭṭ - Septoria)
Kannadaಎಲೆ ಚುಕ್ಕೆ ರೋಗ (Ele cukke rōga - Septoria)
Sanskritपत्र-बिन्दु-रोग (Patra-bindu-roga)
Bengaliসেপ্টোরিয়া লিফ স্পট (Septoria leaf spot)
Frenchseptoriose
Russianсепториоз (septorioz)
Spanishmancha foliar por septoria
GermanSeptoria-Blattfleckenkrankheit
