Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Tomato black leaf mould (045)

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Photo 1. Close up of spots as in Photo 1, showing the spore masses of black leaf mould, Pseudocercospora fuligena, on the underside of the leaves.

Photo 2. Black leaf mould, Pseudocercospora fuligena, on the underside of tomato leaflets, showing the areas where spores are produced.

Photo 3. Dark brown or black mould growth ont he underside of the leaf caused by tomato black leaf mould, Pseudocercospora fuligena.

Photo 4. Black spots, yellowing and rapid dying of tomato leaves infected by black leaf mould, Pseudocercospora fuligena.

Photo 5. Rapid death of tomato leaves from the base upwards due to infection by black leaf mould, Pseudocercospora fuligena.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In tropics. On tomato, capsicum, chilli, and eggplant. An important disease.
• Dark fungal patches on lower leaves progressing upwards. Leaves turn yellow rapidly and die. Fruits are not infected.
• Spores on underside of leaves spread in wind-blow rain. •
• Cultural control: avoid planting next to old crops; remove and burn leaves as infections occur; seek advice on tolerant varieties; 3-year crop rotation; collect trash and burn after harvest.
• Chemical control: copper, chlorothalonil, or mancozeb (protectants). Begin when flowers appear, then at 10-14 day intervals until 3-4 weeks from harvest. Note that mancozeb has a 5-day withholding period.

Common Name

Black leaf mould, leaf spot, tomato leaf mould

Scientific Name

Pseudocercospora fuligena. Previously, known as Cercospora fuligena.

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