Help, my cilantro leaves have spots! What is cilantro leaf spot and how do I get rid of it? The causes of leaf spot on cilantro are mostly beyond our control, which makes cilantro leaf spot control extremely difficult. It’s possible to manage the disease so it doesn’t destroy your prized crop of cilantro, but it requires dedication and persistence. Read on for tips.
What Causes Cilantro with Leaf Spots?
Leaf spot on cilantro is a common bacterial disease favored by cool, damp conditions. Cilantro with leaf spots develop yellowish, water-soaked lesions that eventually turn tan or dark brown. The lesions may become larger and grow together and the leaves become dry and papery. The pathogen responsible for cilantro with leaf spots is Pseudomonas syringae v. coriandricola. Although leaf spot is a common disease that affects many plants, this pathogen affects only cilantro. Leaf spot on cilantro often begins with infected seeds, but the disease is spread by rainwater and overhead sprinklers, which splash the water from plant to plant. It is also transmitted by contaminated tools, people, and animals.
Cilantro Leaf Spot Control
Since control of the disease is difficult, prevention is normally your best course of action in fighting it. Start by purchasing certified disease-free seed and allow at least 8 inches (20 cm.) between plants to provide ample air circulation. If you’re planting cilantro in rows, allow about 3 feet (1 m.) between each. Practice a three year crop rotation to reduce the level of bacteria in the soil, rotating cilantro with members from a completely different plant family. Avoid rotating with any of the following plants:
Remove infected plants and plant debris immediately. Never put infected plant matter in your compost pile. Keep weeds under control, especially related plants such as wild carrots, or queen Anne’s lace. Fertilize carefully, as too much fertilizer appears to enhance cilantro leaf spot. Avoid fertilizer with high nitrogen levels. Water early in the day so the plants have time to dry before evening. If possible, water at the base of the plant and minimize use of overhead sprinklers. Avoid working in your garden when the soil is wet. Copper fungicidal sprays may help control the disease if you spray as soon as symptoms appear, but the sprays won’t eradicate leaf spot in cilantro. Experts at your local cooperative extension office can help you select the best fungicide for your situation.
-
5 Best Winter Indoor Plants To Grow To Turn Your Home Into A Cozy Houseplant HideawayKeep your home (and heart) warm and bright during the chilly months with these gorgeous winter indoor plants – guaranteed to boost your seasonal happiness factor!
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
Propagate Cilantro: How To Grow Cilantro From Cuttings And SeedIf you know how to propagate cilantro, you can keep this tasty herb going throughout the season and beyond. Click here for info on propagating cilantro.
-
Cilantro Has White Coating On Leaves: Managing Cilantro With Powdery MildewPeriods of high humidity, overhead watering and overcrowded plants are likely to lead to powdery mildew on cilantro and many other plants. Learn what to do to control and, if possible, prevent the disease. This article will help get you started.
-
Soapy Tasting Cilantro: Why Cilantro Tastes SoapyYou either love cilantro?s flavor or you hate it - with many people saying that cilantro tastes like soap. So the question is, does your cilantro taste like soap and, if so, what are the reasons why cilantro tastes soapy? Learn the answer here.
-
Information On Growing Coriander SeedsChances are pretty good that if you have ever grown cilantro you ended up with coriander seeds at some point. Coriander is the fruit or seed from the cilantro plant. Click here to learn more.
-
Companion Planting With Cilantro - What Is Cilantro A Companion Plant Of?You may be familiar with cilantro as a pungent herb that flavors salsa or pico de gallo. Cilantro, as a companion plant in the garden, is an excellent means of attracting beneficial insects. Learn more here.
-
Bolting Cilantro - Why Does Cilantro Bolt And How To Stop ItCilantro always bolts eventually, but here are some tips about getting the best from this delicious herb and how to keep it going.
-
How To Grow Cilantro Indoors: Complete Care & Growing GuideLearning how to grow cilantro indoors will keep this delightfully tasty herb at your fingertips in the kitchen.
-
How To Harvest CilantroIf you wish to increase the life span of cilantro, harvesting it regularly will help greatly. When it comes to cilantro, harvesting is relatively easy. Read this article to learn about cilantro harvesting.
