CLS – Cercospora Leaf Spot
Scientific Name: Cercospora asparagi, Cercospora beticola
Type: Fungus
Cercospora Leaf Spot is a world-wide fungal disease that affects the growth of asparagus, beets, carrots, corn, eggplants, peppers, soybeans, and tomatoes. It is the most destructive foliage disease of beets in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Leaf spots occur on leaves. Symptoms include lesions of round or angular brown spots with green, brown, gray, or white centers. The leaves turn yellow, wither, and eventually die off and the whole plant becomes defoliated. The infected plants should be removed to avoid further infestation. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 55-65 F and usually occur between June and August when moisture and humidity are very high. Fungicides can help manage the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.