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Ringspot (Black Blight)

  • Mycosphaerella brassiciola

In California, ringspot occurs only on brussels sprouts. Symptoms consist of circular leafspots (0.5 inch in diameter) that range from light brown to black in color. With time these spots develop concentric rings much like a target pattern. Small spherical fruiting structures may also be observed within the leafspots. If the disease is severe, some defoliation may take place. This pathogen may also cause dark lesions to appear on outer leaves.

Solutions

Ringspot is favored by cool, moist conditions. Spores produced by this pathogen are spread primarily by wind. It can also be carried on seed. Remove diseased plants and destroy all plant residue. Weed out volunteers. Plant clean seed or disease-free transplants.

Foliage showing ringspot damage; ; Salinas Valley Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Ringspot symptoms on brussels sprouts. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Damaged foliage showing tan lesions with tiny, black fruiting bodies; . Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Close up of circular leafspot. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
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