Cercospora Leaf The fungus Cercospora canescens, which causes leaf spot disease, is frequently present in areas with high humidity and warm temperatures. Disease symptoms begin as small, circular, grayish-white spots on the plant leaves, which eventually enlarge and become necrotic or dead tissue. The disease can spread quickly, and plants with it can lose a lot of leaves, which lowers yield and quality. In severe cases, the disease can cause complete leaf drop, resulting in the death of the plant. Check out Cercospora leaf spot management in green gram below.
Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease is a serious fungal disease that affects Green gram plants, also known as Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), causing considerable economic losses to farmers worldwide. Managing Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease involves various cultural practices and chemical control methods. Crop rotation with non-host crops, use of resistant varieties, proper sanitation practices, and maintaining proper irrigation and nutrient management can help reduce the incidence of the disease.
Fungicides and other chemical control techniques can be used to keep the disease under control, but they must be used properly to avoid creating resistant strains of the fungus. The history of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease in Green gram dates back to the early 1900s, and the disease has been reported in several countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Disease’s prevalence across a broad area of the globe, including Africa, Europe, and North America, requires significant research into its prevention, treatment, and management.
Cercospora Leaf Spot Management in Green Gram
Causal Organisms of Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora canescens is the causal organism or pathogen responsible for Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease in Green gram. This fungus produces clusters of dark brown septate conidiophores, which are specialized structures that produce spores called conidia. The conidia are linear, hyaline, thin-walled, and 5-6 septate. The fungus is seed-borne and can survive on plant debris in the soil for over two years, making it a significant threat to crops.
Disease Cycle of Cercospora Leaf Spot
The Disease cycle of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease begins with the survival of the Cercospora canescens fungus on diseased plant residues and seeds. The disease then spreads through air-borne conidia, carried by wind and rain to nearby healthy plants. The fungus can also travel long distances within the soil through the root system, infecting alternative hosts or volunteer crops in the field. The pathogen can be transmitted to lower plant parts through splashing water and air, further facilitating the spread of the disease.
Causes/Conditions Favorable for Cercospora Leaf Spot in the Field
Field factors influence Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease in Green gram. Fungi thrive in high humidity. Diseases thrive in the high day and night temps, moist soils, high humidity, and heavy stormy rains. The infection grows in these conditions and spreads quickly to healthy plants.