Blight Battle: Black Spot—Fight Back for Your Legumes Now!

Hi everyone,

Are you growing legumes in your garden? If so, you may be familiar with Black Spot, a common disease that can affect peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Black Spot is caused by the fungus Ascochyta pisi, and it can cause leaf spots, stem lesions, and seed discoloration. In severe cases, Black Spot can reduce yield and quality.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent and control Black Spot in your garden. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of Black Spot, how to control it, and what you can do to prevent it in the future.

Introduction

Black Spot is a common disease of cool season legumes. It is caused by the fungus Ascochyta pisi, which overwinters in infected plant debris. In the spring, the fungus produces spores that are spread by wind and rain. These spores can land on legume plants and germinate, causing new infections.

Black Spot can affect all above-ground parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and pods. The first symptom of Black Spot is the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves. These spots can expand and coalesce, eventually causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Black Spot can also cause stem lesions, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases.

In severe cases, Black Spot can reduce yield and quality. Infected seeds can be discolored and have a reduced weight. Black Spot can also make plants more susceptible to other diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew.

Symptoms of Black Spot

The symptoms of Black Spot can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, plants may only have a few small, brown spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the entire plant may be covered in black spots, and the leaves may turn yellow and drop off. Black Spot can also cause stem lesions, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of Black Spot:

• Small, brown spots on the leaves
• Expansion and coalescence of spots
• Yellowing and dropping of leaves
• Stem lesions
• Reduced yield
• Discolored and reduced weight seeds

Control Methods for Black Spot

There are a number of things you can do to control Black Spot in your garden. Here are some of the most effective methods:

• Use resistant varieties.
• Practice crop rotation.
• Clean up plant debris.
• Apply fungicides.

Use Resistant Varieties

One of the best ways to control Black Spot is to use resistant varieties of legumes. Resistant varieties have genes that make them less susceptible to the fungus that causes Black Spot. Ask your local nursery or extension office for recommendations on resistant varieties.

Practice Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is another effective way to control Black Spot. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in the same area each year. This helps to break the life cycle of the fungus and reduce the chances of infection.

Clean Up Plant Debris

Cleaning up plant debris is an important way to prevent and control Black Spot. The fungus that causes Black Spot overwinters in infected plant debris. By cleaning up plant debris, you can reduce the amount of inoculum available to the fungus and help to prevent new infections.

Apply Fungicides

Fungicides can be used to control Black Spot in cases where other methods have failed. Fungicides are available in both conventional and organic forms. Always follow the directions on the label carefully when using fungicides.

Prevention of Black Spot

There are a number of things you can do to prevent Black Spot in your garden. Here are some of the most effective methods:

• Purchase disease-free seed.
• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Water plants at the base, avoiding overhead watering.
• Space plants adequately.
• Keep the garden clean.

Purchase Disease-Free Seed

One of the best ways to prevent Black Spot is to purchase disease-free seed. Disease-free seed is seed that has been tested and found to be free of the fungus that causes Black Spot. You can purchase disease-free seed from your local nursery or extension office.

Plant in Well-Drained Soil

Black Spot is more likely to occur in poorly drained soil. Well-drained soil allows water to drain away quickly, which helps to prevent the fungus from spreading.

Water Plants at the Base, Avoiding Overhead Watering

Overhead watering can splash water onto the leaves of plants, which can spread the fungus that causes Black Spot. To prevent this, water plants at the base, avoiding overhead watering.

Space Plants Adequately

Spacing plants adequately allows for good air circulation, which helps to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes Black Spot. When planting legumes, space plants according to the recommendations on the seed packet.

Keep the Garden Clean

Keeping the garden clean helps to reduce the amount of inoculum available to the fungus that causes Black Spot. Remove infected plants and plant debris from the garden, and dispose of them in the trash.

Conclusion

Black Spot is a common disease of cool season legumes. It can affect peas, lentils, and chickpeas, causing leaf spots, stem lesions, and seed discoloration. In severe cases, Black Spot can reduce yield and quality.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent and control Black Spot in your garden. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your legumes healthy and productive.

Take Action Today!

If you are growing legumes in your garden, take action today to prevent and control Black Spot. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your legumes healthy and productive.

Here are some things you can do today:

• Purchase disease-free seed.
• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Water plants at the base, avoiding overhead watering.
• Space plants adequately.
• Keep the garden clean.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent and control Black Spot in your garden and keep your legumes healthy and productive.

FAQs

• What is Black Spot?

  Black Spot is a common disease of cool season legumes. It is caused by the fungus Ascochyta pisi, which overwinters in infected plant debris. In the spring, the fungus produces spores that are spread by wind and rain. These spores can land on legume plants and germinate, causing new infections.

• What are the symptoms of Black Spot?

  The symptoms of Black Spot can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, plants may only have a few small, brown spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the entire plant may be covered in black spots, and the leaves may turn yellow and drop off. Black Spot can also cause stem lesions, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases.

• How can I control Black Spot?

  There are a number of things you can do to control Black Spot in your garden. Here are some of the most effective methods:

  • Use resistant varieties.
  • Practice crop rotation.
  • Clean up plant debris.
  • Apply fungicides.

• How can I prevent Black Spot?

  There are a number of things you can do to prevent Black Spot in your garden. Here are some of the most effective methods:

  • Purchase disease-free seed.
  • Plant in well-drained soil.
  • Water plants at the base, avoiding overhead watering.
  • Space plants adequately.
  • Keep the garden clean.