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ARS Home » Midwest Area » East Lansing, Michigan » Sugarbeet and Bean Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #349954
Title: Alternaria leaf spot, the "other" leaf spot

Author
item BUBLITZ, DANIEL - Michigan State University
item Hanson, Linda

Submitted to: Newsbeet
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2018
Publication Date: 3/31/2018
Citation: Bublitz, D., Hanson, L.E. 2018. Alternaria leaf spot, the "other" leaf spot. Newsbeet. 32:11-12.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Foliar diseases have been an issue on sugar beet in Michigan for several years. The primary foliar disease issue in the area is Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), and this has been the focus of disease management efforts. However, a second leaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot, has been observed with increasing frequency in the sugar beet growing region. Alternaria leaf spot (ALT) has been present in beet production, but usually has not been an important economic issue. In 2015 and 2016, ALT was estimated to be at high enough levels to cause economic losses in the state. All the leaf spots cause losses by damaging leaves and, if severe, can cause defoliation. While symptoms are similar, the exact symptoms, as well as weather condition, spread, and management strategies for ALT and CLS are different. Due to these differences, it is important for growers to be aware of Alternaria leaf spot, to be able to distinguish it from the other foliar diseases, and to have a management strategy in place should the need arise. This is a description of Alternaria leaf spot, distinguishing characteristics for this disease, and a brief overview of some of the factors to consider for disease management.