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How to Manage Pests
Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
Early blight on tomatoes—Alternaria solani
Symptoms of early blight include black or brown spots, usually about 1 cm in diameter, that appear on
leaves, stems, and fruit. Leaf spots are leathery and often have a pattern of concentric rings. They usually
appear on older leaves first. Fruit spots are sunken and dry and also have a concentric pattern.
SolutionsSpores of early blight are carried by wind and require moisture
for germination and infection. The disease can cause severe
damage if conditions remain cool and humid for several days
after a rain. Avoid overhead
irrigation. Crop rotation is useful in infested gardens. Copper
fungicides applied at the first sign of
infestation and repeated every 7 to 10 days may provide
control.
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Fruit
spots caused by early blight
Spots
on stems
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