Common crops affected
Why it matters
Bottom-up defoliation cuts photosynthesis and exposes fruit to sunscald and tubers to infection, lowering yield and quality; it returns from soil and debris each season.
When to act
Begin protection as the canopy closes and dews start; maintain through fruiting.
What to look for
- Target-like concentric rings on older leaves
- Yellow halos around expanding lesions
- Defoliation from the bottom up
- Dark, sunken stem-end fruit rot
How to manage it
- Mulch to reduce soil splash; stake and space for airflow.
- Remove infected lower leaves and debris.
- Apply Spore Control (1:1,000) at first sign and through warm humid spells.
Recommended Vegalab program
Spore Control — encapsulated, adherent, rainfast cover; rotate modes of action.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Spore Control | Thymol protective fungicide |
| Plant resilience | Armour Boost | Resilient tissue |
Product claims, rates, and availability vary by jurisdiction; always follow the applicable label.