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.