Cercospora leaf spot (beet)

Cercospora leaf spot is a fungus that affects members of the beet family.

recognize Cercospora leaf spot on sugarbeets
Cercospora leaf spot on sugarbeets, photo: Rasbak - CC BY-SA 3.0

Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) is a fungus that affects members of the beet family. The fungus causes small grey spots scattered over the leaves, discoloring to brownish-black. As the spots expand, a red border forms around the affected areas. At summer temperatures above 20°C and nights with fog and dew, the fungus becomes active.

Where to find

Control

Difficult to control. Once noticed, it is too late to do anything about it.

Prevention

Plant the beets in a not too sheltered place so that the wind has free rein.