Brown leaf spot

Pleiochaeta setosa can infect all plant parts, but is usually first seen on the leaves. Leaf, pod and stem infections begin as small, dark brown spots which enlarge to form black networks on leaves, and extensive brown areas on pods and stems. When leaves are severely infected they die and drop off. Infection up to the four leaf stage can kill seedlings. When pods are heavily infected the fungus may infect the developing seed.

The brown leaf spot fungus may also infect lupins on the upper taproot. This infection appears as a dark brown lesion and may cause the plant to die, especially when the soil is waterlogged just after sowing. Other root rotting fungi such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium species are frequently associated with brown leaf spot infections at the base of the stem.