My father prefers to eat Malabar spinach over regular spinach. During the first 3 to 4 weeks of planting Malabar spinach, everything seems to be fine, but as this plant matures, red spots with holes are found in the leaves. In this article, I will talk about these red spots with holes in Malabar spinach leaves. I will also let you know how you can treat these red spots.
Try to look closely at the red spots, you can find small holes inside the red spots and over time they will increase.
Causes of red spots on Malabar spinach leaves
We've been growing Malabar spinach for a long time, and it's one of the plants that attracts the fewest pests and diseases.
Cercospora beticola is a fungus, responsible for creating red spots on the Malabar spinach leaves. The fungus causes red posts after infection, then small holes inside the red posts.
These fungi love to grow in highly humid areas with bad air circulation. Then it spreads quickly.
If aphids or mites like pests eat or infect the leaves, it becomes easier for the fungus to grow and spread.
How to cure the red spots and holes in Malabar spinach leaves
Sorry to say, but you can't recover a leaf that is already infected. The best you can do is to remove all the infected leaves from the plant.
Do not just drop them on the ground as it can spread. Dispose of the leaves in a distant location instead.
I will not recommend any chemicals to apply to this edible leafy green. Improve air circulation, and give balanced fertilizer removing the infected leaves.
Tip: Crop rotation can affect the lifecycle of fungi and pests. If possible change the position of planting each year.
If you are interested in planting other plants along with vegetables check my ultimate guide on companion planting for vegetable gardens.
