Celery Cercospora Blight Disease: Understanding Symptoms and Control Measures

Celery is a vegetable that has various health benefits, including being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, like any other plant, celery is also prone to diseases, one of which is Cercospora blight disease. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of celery Cercospora blight disease and ways to control it.

What is Celery Cercospora Blight Disease?

Cercospora blight disease is caused by fungi from the Cercospora genus, particularly Cercospora apii. It is a common disease among celery crops and can cause significant yield losses. The fungus infects leaves, petioles, and stalks, causing lesions that affect the plant's overall growth and development.

Symptoms of Celery Cercospora Blight Disease

The symptoms of celery Cercospora blight disease are usually visible on the leaves first, then spread to other parts of the plant. Here are some of the common symptoms of the disease:

Leaf Spots

One of the most noticeable symptoms of celery Cercospora blight disease is the appearance of brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, these spots may turn gray or tan, with a darker border around them. The spots may also have a purplish-red color underneath.

Purple Discoloration

Another symptom of celery Cercospora blight disease is the purple discoloration of the plant's petioles and stalks. The discoloration starts at the base of the stalks and spreads upwards. Over time, the stalks may become weak and unable to support the weight of the leaves.

Leaf Drop

Severe cases of celery Cercospora blight disease can cause the affected leaves to drop prematurely, leaving the plant with fewer leaves than it needs for proper growth and development.

Control Measures for Celery Cercospora Blight Disease

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to celery Cercospora blight disease. Here are some measures that you can take to prevent the disease from occurring or spreading:

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is a proven method to reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as celery Cercospora blight disease. Avoid planting celery in the same area where you grew it in the previous season.

Clean Farming Practices

Practicing good hygiene in the farm can help prevent the spread of Cercospora blight disease. Remove and dispose of infected leaves and plant debris properly. Also, avoid working in the field when the plants are wet, as fungal spores thrive in moist conditions.

Fungicides

If the disease has already infected your celery crop, you can use fungicides to control its spread. Some of the commonly used fungicides for Cercospora blight disease include chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and copper-based fungicides.

Resistant Varieties

Planting resistant celery varieties is another way to minimize the risk of Cercospora blight disease. Some of the resistant varieties available in the market include Tango, Diamante, and Excel.



Celery Cercospora blight disease is a fungal disease that can cause significant damage to celery crops. Knowing the symptoms of the disease and taking preventive measures can help protect your celery crop from the disease. By practicing good farming practices, using fungicides, and planting resistant varieties, you can keep your celery crops healthy and free from Cercospora blight disease.

A celery plant with brown spots on its leaves.

Celery stalks with purple discoloration.

A celery plant with few leaves due to leaf drop caused by Cercospora blight disease.

fungicides, crop rotation, resistant varieties, clean farming practices, prevention, control measures