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Plant & Pest Advisory – July 23, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt
Angular leaf spot, caused by the bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans), is common in
New Jersey and the region. Although it often shows up during cooler, wet weather; it can show up
almost anytime during the production season with favorable weather conditions for its development.
Angular leaf spot will first appear in ‘hot spots’ as, small water-soaked lesions which will expand until
they reach a larger leaf vein resulting in the angular looking symptoms on leaves. Under heavy
disease pressure, the bacteria will infect fruit causing small, water-soaked circular spots. In many
cases once weather conditions become dry again, infected tissue in leaves will die and fall out
leaving the characteristic ‘shot hole’ symptoms. Control of angular leaf spot begins with scouting your
fields, particularly in areas that may get shaded and remain wet after heavy rainfalls. Application of
labeled rates of fixed copper plus mancozeb to help suppress the spread ofthe disease until hot, dry
weather returns.