Alternaria
CLASSIFICATION
Fungi, Ascomycetes, Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporaceae
ABOUT
Alternaria is a fungal pathogen affecting many important crops, such as oil crops, cereals, and vegetables. It typically causes spots on leaves or stem cankers.
How to treat?
- Biological
Remove weeds as well as all dead plant tissue. They may be a source of infection.
Apply ecological products for plant protection (e.g. copper-based spray).
- Chemical
If necessary, apply fungicide containing azoxystrobin (GHS06: Toxic, GHS09: Environmental hazard).
If necessary, apply fungicide containing chlorothalonil (GHS05: Corrosive, GHS06: Toxic, GHS07: Harmful, GHS08: Health hazard, GHS09: Environmental hazard).
- Disease prevention
Use resistant species and cultivars as well as healthy, certified seeds and seedlings.
Avoid prolonged wetting of the leaves, which can be caused e.g. by overhead irrigation.
Improve the air circulation around the plant (e.g. by pruning excess foliage or increasing the spacing between plants).
Rotate crops. Avoid planting sensitive crops in infested soil.
Disinfect tools, infected flower pots, and hands to avoid disease transmission.