Rocket thrives splendidly and without much horticultural intervention. In summer it often provides more leaves than can be freshly processed. If the leaf spot disease spreads unexpectedly, the green replenishment tears off abruptly. Why is that and what to do.

Once the leaf spot disease has broken out, the harvest is over

Identify leaf spot disease

The name already gives it away: This disease is noticeable through spots. On the rocket, the spots appear on the leaves and are mostly yellowish or brownish in color. Since when picking this spicy cooking ingredient the eye inevitably falls on the leaves, the appearance of this disease cannot be overlooked. The spots start out small and get bigger over time.

What's behind it?

The cause of the disease is a fungus, which spreads at breakneck speed under acceptable conditions. These are humidity and lack of sunlight. In the case of arugula, there is also an "excessive" or incorrect fertilization as a beneficial factor. When it comes to crops, leaf spot can also be found on cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley.

The only alternative course of action

Arugula covered in stains can hardly be saved. Chemical pesticides would ruin crops and cause further ecological damage. There are currently no known home remedies.

The spotted leaves are not dangerous for us, but not very appetizing. To prevent the disease from spreading further in the bed, diseased plants should be removed from it as soon as possible. They must be disposed of with household waste and must never end up in the compost heap. There the fungus would survive and later be spread around the garden with compost.

Discard all parts of the plant, including the roots. It can also be useful to remove the top layer of soil several centimeters deep. Fungal spores can survive in the soil for several years. They would seize the first favorable opportunity to strike again

Prevent leaf spot disease

Don't plant cruciferous plants for several years where diseased arugula plants once stood. These would also be more likely to contract leaf spot disease.

The following measures could also help to avoid this fungal disease in the future:

  • Sow arugula in a sunny, well-ventilated spot
  • leave enough space between two plants
  • the plants must be able to dry well after rainfall
  • fertilize modestly; alternatively, a starting supply is sufficient
  • do not wet the green when watering

Category:

Vegetable garden