Septoria Leaf Spot or something else?

[dan0000]

Hi,

Just noticed these spots on a few of my plants. I'm using Earthtainers in So. California. We have been extremely dry due to the drought but the last couple of days were overcast and cooler than usual with a little precipitation.

Any thoughts about what this is and what I should would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[RayR]

Doesn't look anything like Septoria. Maybe bacterial or bugs.

[TightenUp]

bacterial came to mind first for me

[Tracydr]

Aphids or mites.

[dan0000]

Thank you all for your replies. I think I'm going to carefully prune the damaged leaves and then hit the affected plants with some Neem oil. Not sure what else to do.

[PA_Julia]

I agree with the bacterial spot diagnosis. Visually your example leaves fit perfectly with this diagnosis.

Leaf spot is most active when there is plenty of moisture and warm temperatures. During the summer months, especially if plants are watered by overhead sprinklers, sufficient moisture may be present for infection when the bacteria are splashed or blown on to leaves. Wind and rain transmit the bacteria to plants.


This disease overwinters in the soil around infected plants as well as on garden debris and seeds. It will also remain in the twig cankers, leaves, stems and fruit of infected trees.

[decherdt]

Copper is an acknowledged organic bactericide. I prefer the Concern or Natural Guard brand copper soap at strength, some prefer the Southern Ag at half strength. (oil and heat can fry tomatoes)

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by decherdt

Copper is an acknowledged organic bactericide. I prefer the Concern brand copper soap at strength, some prefer the Southern Ag at half strength. (oil and heat can fry tomatoes)

I agree with decherdt, I used to use neem, but the oil in it worries me. I use the half of weakest strength copper spray now, which is wonderful at getting rid of all foliar fungal diseases, as well as bacterial. Be very careful not to mix it too strong. The solution should not look blue on your leaves, to avoid damage. It's strong stuff!

[Mike723]

Just for future reference, this is Septoria:







You'll always notice chlorosis around the dead tissue, and eventually see the dark brown fruiting bodies within the necrotic (dead) tissue..
Killed the crop last year =/

[dan0000]

So I went out to prune the lower areas of my plants. I usually do this to promote airflow but for whatever reason I did not do it this year.

It appears I have an insect infestation. When I look at some of the leaves without spots I see "dirt specs" on them. Then, I see this.

Are these mites? They don't look like aphids to me.

So I've pruned and now I'm going to spray later this evening. It's supposed to be over 90 today!

Thanks all.

Dan

[Mike723]

No they're not spider mites.. spider mites are much smaller.. The bottom right looks like an ant.. The others are too small to make out but almost resemble fungus gnats.. Would need a closer shot to pin point.. maybe someone else will have better info for ya..

[dan0000]

Well, if anyone has a guess I'd be all ears. These suckers are really tiny! Here are some more pics...