Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Widespread distribution. In the tropics. On tomato, papaya (see Fact Sheet no. 300), cucumber (see Fact Sheet no. 189), legumes and probably weeds. An important disease.
• Starts on older leaves, moving upwards rapidly in wet weather, destroying the entire plant.
• Spores are spread in wind-driven rain.
• Cultural control: check all seedling in nursery; do not plant new crops next to old; plant far from papaya (the trees commonly have the same leaf spot disease); remove lower leaves after trusses picked; weed; after harvest, collect trash and burn; tolerant varieties; 3-year crop rotation.
• Chemical control: chlorothalonil, copper, or mancozeb. Start when spots seen, and continue until 3-4 weeks before last harvest.