Early Blight
🦠 Diseases●● Intermediate
Also known as: alternaria blight
Early blight (Alternaria solani) creates characteristic "bull's-eye" lesions with concentric rings on older leaves. Despite its name, it can occur at any time during the growing season. The pathogen overwinters in plant debris and soil. Fast-maturing cultivars like Early Girl can often produce a crop before significant defoliation occurs. Preventive fungicide applications and lower leaf removal are key management strategies.