Plant guide:ðą Papaya
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Fungal
Black Spot (Cercospora) on Papaya Leaves
Commonly affects: Carica papaya (Papaya)
Small, angular, dark brown to black spots scatter across leaves, sometimes merging into larger dead patches and causing premature leaf drop.
Potential Causes
- 1Cercospora papayae fungus, spread by wind and splashing water
- 2Warm, humid conditions with extended leaf wetness
- 3Poor airflow in dense plantings
Solution Steps
- 1Remove and destroy affected leaves promptly
- 2Water at the base rather than overhead
- 3Improve airflow through appropriate spacing
- 4Apply a copper-based fungicide if the problem is severe
Prevention Tip
Base watering and good spacing prevent the extended leaf wetness that black spot needs to establish and spread.
