Several RI growers are now seeing symptoms of Cercospora, a fungal leaf spot, on Beet Greens. The pathogen Cercospora beticola will also affect spinach and swiss chard as well as any other plant in the beet family (Chenopodiaceae).
Primary symptoms include leaf spots that begin as small brown flecks surrounded by a purple halo. As the disease progresses the center or the spot will turn gray, may crack and eventually fall out. Lesions may also coalesce causing the entire leaf to yellow and then turn brown and necrotic. A detailed fact sheet with Information on the life cycle of this pest including cultural and chemical control strategies is available from:
The University of Wisconsin
