DiseaseCercospora beticola
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora-bladflekk
How to recognise it
Small circular spots with a grey-tan centre and a distinct dark purple or reddish border. In warm, humid conditions the spots merge into large dead patches and leaves may drop prematurely.
Prevention
Rotate crops on a minimum three-year cycle, keeping silverbeet away from all beet-family plants. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Remove and destroy (not compost) all affected plant material at the end of the season.
Treatment
Remove affected leaves as soon as spots appear. A copper-based fungicide applied at the first sign of disease can reduce spread. Clear away all plant debris after harvest to break the disease cycle.