Cercospora Leaf spot (Cercospora carthami)

Nature of Damage: Symptoms on leaves are characterized by formation of circular to irregular brown sunken spots measuring 3 to 20 mm in diameter. The spots have a yellowish tinge at the border and in advanced stages, the leaves turn brown and distorted. Under moist conditions, the spots have a velvetty greyish-white appearance caused by sporulation of the fungus. All parts of plant are affected by the disease. Flower buds turn brown and dry. The entire capitulum may also be affected without formation of seed.

Cultural Control: Avoid safflower cultivation in low-lying waterlogged areas. Avoid continuous cropping of safflower in the same plot and follow recommended crop sequences and rotations. Plant crop as per the recommendation of each region. Late planting encourages spread of disease.

Chemical Control: Spray the crop wiht copper oxychloride (0.3%) or mancozeb (0.25%) to give satisfactory control of the disease.