What Is Wrong With My Swiss Chard?

Are there any angular or circular green to gray spots with brown borders on leaves?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the young leaves yellow, deformed, and stunted with swollen veins?

Do the leaves have light-colored tunnels or blotches in them?

Do the leaves have small holes in them?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Are the leaves discolored and distorted?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Cercospora leaf spot. This fungal disease only occurs in very warm climates. Spots develop a “frog-eye” appearance with light centers and dark edges. Spray plants with copper as soon as symptoms appear to prevent further symptom development.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Your plant might be suffering from Curly top virus. Viral diseases are incurable. Destroy all infected plants. Control leafhoppers as they are most likely carriers of the curly top virus.

These symptoms are usually caused by Leafminers. These tiny pale green fly larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Prune off and destroy all infested leaves. Remove debris in fall because it might contain overwintering leafminers. Introducing parasitic wasps is a very effective method of controlling leafminers.

Small holes in leaves are caused by Flea beetles. These tiny, black, brown, or bronze beetles hop when disturbed. Larvae are small and white, feed mostly on the undersides of leaves. Prevent problems by covering young plants with row cover. Control severe infestations by spraying or dusting plants with pyrethrin.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Discolored and distorted leaves are caused by leafhoppers. These small, green, or brown insects feed by sucking juices from the leaves' undersides. Leafhoppers may be the carriers of the Mosaic virus, so it is important to keep them in control. Insecticidal soap helps with severe infestations.

If the leaves are mottled and covered in a distinctive mosaic pattern, your Swiss chard suffered from the mosaic virus. This plant is susceptible to the cucumber mosaic virus. There is no treatment for viral diseases. Remove and destroy your plants. Control aphids to prevent infection.