Introduction

Yellowing leaves, black spots, or strange growths can be signs of plant disease. Early diagnosis helps save your plants and keeps your garden healthy. Here’s how to spot common problems and respond quickly.

Step 1: Observe the Symptoms

  • Leaf Color: Yellowing may mean nutrient deficiency or root issues.
  • Spots & Lesions: Fungal or bacterial infections often cause brown/black spots.
  • Wilting: Could be overwatering, root rot, or pests.
  • Powdery Coating: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease.

Step 2: Rule Out Environmental Stress

Check light, water, and soil first. Sometimes what looks like disease is actually poor care conditions.

Step 3: Identify Likely Disease

  • Fungal: Rust, mildew, root rot.
  • Bacterial: Leaf blight, soft rot.
  • Viral: Mosaic patterns, stunted growth.

Step 4: Take Action

  • Remove affected leaves and dispose (do not compost).
  • Improve airflow by spacing plants and pruning.
  • Use organic fungicides or neem oil if needed.
  • Disinfect tools to avoid spreading infection.

Conclusion

Accurate diagnosis starts with careful observation. By knowing the common signs, you can treat problems early and prevent them from spreading across your garden.