Impact of humic acid, vigamax and potassium phosphate on control of cercospora leaf spot disease

Foliar spray with commercial nutrients, humic acid, vigamax, and potassium phosphate dibasic of sugar beet plants, was evaluated against leaf spot disease incited by Cercospora beticola. Significant reduction of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) disease severity was reported under natural field infection. Spraying with humic acid (at 20.0 g/l) and mix treatments resulted in the lowest values of disease severity during the two seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) and the highest efficiency against the disease (76.41-89.36%). Retarding of CLS and the reduction of disease severity due to nutrient applications correlated to yield increment. PR1 (SA responsive gene) and LOX2 (JA biosynthesis) genes expression levels were induced and increased in the sugar beet leaves after treatment applications. The nutrients have positive impacts on both sugar beet yield and health. In conclusion, humic acid, vigamax, and potassium phosphate dibasic could be involved in management strategies against Cercospora leaf spot.

Automated summary

This study found that foliar spray with humic acid, vigamax, and potassium phosphate dibasic can effectively reduce the severity of Cercospora leaf spot disease in sugar beet plants, leading to increased yield and induction of PR1 and LOX2 gene expression.