Fact Sheets - Septoria Leaf Spot of Tomato
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Pest Management Fact Sheet #5088
Septoria Leaf Spot of Tomato
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Introduction
Septoria leaf spot is one of the most common foliar diseases of tomato in Maine. It can be highly destructive given the proper conditions and has been known to cause complete crop failure. Although the causal fungus will not directly infect the fruit, losses are the result of defoliation which can lead to the failure of fruit maturation and sunscald of exposed fruit.
Environmental Conditions
The disease is usually first seen in early to mid-August when the foliage has become sufficiently dense to restrict air movement within the canopy. After canopy closure the humidity remains high and any free water on leaf surfaces tends to dry more slowly. Infection can occur when the relative humidity has been at 100% for more than 48 hours. These conditions are cumulative, however, and can be spread over several days. The optimal temperature range for Septoria is between 68 and 77ºF. The disease usually starts on the lowest leaves where the humidity tends to be the highest and where the fungal spores are most likely to land.
Symptoms
Septoria can infect all above-ground parts of the plant other than the fruit but infections are most obvious and extensive on the foliage. The infections are characterized by small (1/8″), circular lesions with dark borders and grayish centers. Close inspection reveals tiny black or brownish dots within the lesions. These are the spore producing structures (pycnidia) of the fungus. The leaves eventually wither and die. The disease progresses up the stem and total defoliation of the plant may finally occur.
Survival
Septoria survives the winter on infected plant debris including tomato and related plants. The fungus may also be transmitted by infected seed and spores can be present around growing facilities such as greenhouses, cold frames, flats, etc.. Where spores have survived the winter, initial infections may begin early in the year. Otherwise, the fungus will not sporulate below 59oF which delays the onset of infections. The spores are splashed by rain, blown by the wind, or carried by insects and other animals (including man) and once the initial infections have started the fungus can produce new spores which rapidly increases the rate at which the disease spreads.
Control
- Use disease-free seed or if the seed is suspect use a hot water treatment (122ºF for 25 min.). This practice may reduce seed viability.
- Remove and destroy crop refuse at the end of the season. Where this is not practical, plow the refuse into the soil at the end of the season which will promote rapid breakdown by soil micro-organisms.
- Practice rotation (3 years) to non-susceptible crops. The most effective rotations will also try to exclude susceptible weeds.
- Promote good air circulation by spacing plants properly.
- Hand-picking infected leaves will reduce the number of spores available for new infections.
- Stay out of growing areas when the foliage is wet.
- Water early in the day and, if possible, avoid wetting the foliage.
- Stake plants.
- Be sure plants have adequate nutrition.
- The table below lists available fungicides.
| Fungicides for Septoria Leaf Spot Control | ||
| Fungicide | Typical Application Interval | Examples of Trade Names |
| azoxystrobin | 7 to 14 days | Quadris, Amistar |
| chlorothalonil | 7 to 14 days | Daconil, Bravo, Echo, Fungonil and others |
| copper products | 7 to 14 days | Bordeaux Mixture, Kocide, Tenn-Cop,Liqui-cop, Basicop, and others |
| mancozeb and maneb | 7 to 14 days | Dithane, Penncozeb, Manex, Mancozeb, Maneb |
| potassium bicarbonate | 5-14 days as needed | Armicarb 100 |
| ziram | 7 to 14 days | Ziram |
*Table by Ned Tisserat, Kansas State University and adapted for Maine
When Using Pesticides
ALWAYS FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS!
Pest Management Office
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Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
© 2010
Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
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