Target Spot of Tobacco

What is Target Spot?

Target spot is a leaf spot disease of tobacco caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani.  The major symptoms are large leaf lesions with alternating rings of light and dark brown.  The disease is favored by moderate temperatures, high humidity, and prolonged periods of leaf wetness.

Effective management of target spot depends on a basic understanding of the causal pathogen and disease cycle.

target spot of tobacco

Target Spot Symptoms

Symptom Development in the Field

Early identification and treatment of target spot can help to limit the extent of damage caused by the disease.  This video shows a wide range of symptoms on field tobacco, and explains the progression of target spot symptom development.

Other Leaf Spots

Rhizoctonia solani is not the only thing that can cause foliar spots on tobacco.  A variety of other pathogens as well as some environmental conditions can also result in leaf spots.  Here is a guide to help identify causes of symptoms that may be confused with target spot.