Spinach

Visual Description:

Gray to purple fuzzy growth appears on leaf undersides, with yellow patches on upper surfaces. The disease typically starts as light green to yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces, bounded by leaf veins. As it progresses, the characteristic gray-purple sporulation develops underneath. Severely affected leaves may turn brown and die.

Visual Description:

Small, circular spots appear on leaves, often with tan to brown centers and darker borders. The spots may have yellow halos and can merge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, affected leaves become yellow, then brown, and may drop. The spots can vary in size and may develop a shot-hole appearance as centers fall out.

Visual Description:

Older leaves turn pale green to yellow, starting from the bottom of the plant. Growth becomes slow and stunted, with smaller than normal leaves. The yellowing typically progresses from older to younger leaves, while leaf veins may remain green longer. Overall plant vigor is reduced, and leaves may develop a lighter, washed-out appearance.

Visual Description:

Plants rapidly develop a tall flowering stem, with leaves becoming more elongated and bitter. The central stem shoots up quickly, often growing several inches in a day. Leaf quality deteriorates as the plant switches from vegetative to reproductive growth. Small flower buds form at the top of the stem, and the entire plant takes on a more vertical growth pattern.

Visual Description:

White, blister-like pustules appear on leaf undersides, with yellow spots on upper surfaces. The pustules are raised and powdery, often appearing in clusters. As the disease progresses, leaves may become distorted and stunted. The white pustules can merge to form larger patches, and severely affected leaves may die.

Visual Description:

Young seedlings suddenly wilt and fall over at soil level. The stem becomes thin and dark at the base, often appearing pinched or water-soaked. Affected seedlings quickly collapse and die. The problem typically occurs in patches and can spread rapidly in wet conditions. Once symptoms appear, affected seedlings rarely recover.

Visual Description:

Winding, white trails appear within leaves where larvae have fed. The trails start thin and widen as the larvae grow. Affected areas appear as light-colored, serpentine tunnels between leaf surfaces. Heavy infestations can cause extensive damage and make leaves unmarketable. The adult flies are small and lay eggs on leaf surfaces.

Visual Description:

Plants show wilting despite moist soil conditions. The crown area becomes dark and rotted, often with a soft, water-soaked appearance. Roots turn brown or black and become mushy. The entire plant may yellow and eventually collapse. When pulled up, the root system is poorly developed and may be largely decayed.