Diagnosing grey leaf spot in broadleafed crops

A fungal disease (Stemphylium sp.) that is most damaging in wet spring conditions.

Small circular lesions appear in spring on the leaves
Leaflets become distorted by the lesions
In severe cases plants lose all their leaves in spring

What to look for

    Paddock

  • Widespread plant defoliation following warm wet weather.

    Plant

  • Dark-brown circular lesions that can appear on leaves and then progress to ash-brown necrosis.
  • In severe cases plants lose all their leaves.
  • Brown pockmark lesions on stems and pods.

Where did it come from?

Contaminated stubble
Contaminated stubble
  • Disease incoculum is carried on infected stubble.
  • The disease was first recorded in Western Australia in 1972 and affected nearly all varieties during the 1970. All lupin varieties released since 1979 are believed to carry genes for resistance to grey leaf spot.

Management strategies

Resistant varieties
Resistant varieties
  • Not economically damaging. No control measures recommended.
  • Varieties differ in susceptibility.
Source URL: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/mycrop/diagnosing-grey-leaf-spot-broadleafed-crops
This print version was generated at 3:07am on the 5th of May, 2024.
The original document was last revised at Fri, 17/04/2015 - 9:10am

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Important disclaimer

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.