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Helminthosporium Leaf Spot

Monica Elliott andPhilip Harmon


Related Topics

Fungal Diseases of Plants
Fungal Diseases of Plants
Helminthosporium Leaf Spot
Helminthosporium Leaf Spot
This disease is caused by a group of fungi (Bipolaris, Drechslera, and Exserohilum spp. (previously classified as Helminthosporium fungi) that is active over a wide range of temperatures. At any given time of the year, at least one species within this fungal group can be isolated. Thus, diseases caused by these fungi can occur at any time of year. However, as a general rule, the leaf spot disease occurs during mild, wet periods during fall and winter. Leaf spot symptoms tend to vary with each pathogen/host pair from very small (pinhead size), solid brown to purple lesions or spots to expanded lesions with bleached centers that girdle the leaf blade.
Turfgrass Diseases
Turfgrass Diseases

Related Units

Plant Pathology
Plant Pathology

The department is recognized as a national and international leader in many areas of plant pathology. The research programs focus on diseases caused by fastidious microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses. We are known for our research on diseases of diverse crops including citrus; vegetables such as tomato, pepper and cucurbits; ornamentals including foliage plants and flowering and woody ornamentals; field crops including soybean, peanut and sugarcane; and tropical fruits. Our strengths also include expertise in epidemiology, molecular biology of host-parasite interactions, biological control, and post-harvest diseases. Our faculty has also been very active in international programs as evidenced by the many collaborative efforts in Florida and outside the U.S.
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