Why Do Persimmon Leaves Have Black Spots?
- Three fungi---elalsinoe, sphaceloma and gloesporium---cause black leaf spots on persimmon trees.
- Circular to irregular spots from elalsinoe and sphaceloma fungi are sometimes tan to reddish purple instead of black.They frequently have darker margins. The spots may also affect fruit, stems and flowers. Gloesporium's tan, brown or black spots---sometimes with dark brown or yellow margins---often occur along leaf veins. This fungus can cause early leaf drop.
- Black leaf spot fungi overwinter in infected tree buds, twigs and cankers---dark, diseased areas of wood. They also survive in fallen leaves. Spring winds, rain, and insects transport the fungi-produced spores to healthy leaves. Outbreaks of black leaf spot among persimmon trees are mild where springs are calm and dry.