Symptom

• Symptoms are observed first as small, irregularly shaped lesions. The spots are pale green in contrast to the dark green surrounding tissue.
• In advanced stages, angular lesions are formed, surrounded by a halo of lighter colored tissue. The inner portion of the lesion turns black and drops out.
• This gives the leaf a "ragged" or "shot hole" appearance. Leaves heavily infected with bacterial spot turn yellow and fall.
• Leaf spots are concentrated toward the distal end of the leaf. Fruit infection is not as common as foliage infection.
• When it occurs, small spots develop and gum may flow from these spots.
• Highly susceptible varieties like Methley and Santa Rosa are more likely to have fruit infections than Morris, Bruce or Ozark Premier.
• The bacterium overwinters on infected twigs.

Management

• Chemical control has not been highly effective. Early and late dormant copper sprays will aid in control. Optimum nutrition is also important.