Taxonomy: Fungi, division ascomycete

Description: A common diease in tobacco, tomatoes and potatoes in Zimbabwe. Spores are airborne and found in soil and water. 

Distribution on the plant: Brown lesions on the lower leaves of the plant and darkening of the fruit of tomatoes.

Lifecycle: overwinter in crop residues and spores form when exposed to moisture and warm weather. 

Detriment to crops: Necrosis of leaf tissue and fruit

Monitoring remarks: Check for early signs on the lower leaves of the crop. Monitor more frequently once the crop canopy has closed, and during periods of persistent rainfall.

Action threshold: Preventative fungicides recommended. Take curative action at early signs of the disease. 

Control general remarks: Spray fungicides that are effective against Alternaria routinely.

Contact a Cropserve agronomist for more infomation