MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management

Fungal leaf spots

Pathogen

Alternaria spp.

Hosts

Several species are pathogenic on perennials. Together, they have a wide host range, including Aster, Calendula, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Helianthus, Iris, Ligularia, Pelargonium, Platycodon, Shasta and Stokesia.

Severe leaf spotting on Chelone sp.

Symptoms

Dark-colored leaf spots. Lesions may have concentric rings within them. Spots may coalesce, resulting in blighting of foliage. Petals of some plants may be infected. Dianthus flower buds can be rotted.

Spread

Spores are produced on the plant surface and are spread by splashing water or air movement or by moving infected plant material.

Lesions on Ligularia.

Management

Maintain adequate plant spacing to allow for good aeration to reduce humidity levels around plants. Alternaria spp. require leaf wetness for germination and infection; reduce durations of leaf wetness with good timing of overhead irrigation. Regular fungicide applications will likely be necessary to reduce losses on especially susceptible hosts.

Dark, multicelled spores produced on the surface of infected plant material by Alternaria spp. Spores may be visible with a hand lens.

Print a PDF of this page: Alternaria leaf spot

Back to IMP scouting in herbaceous perennials.