Taro Leaf BlightIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Phytophthora colocasiae · Family: Peronosporaceae
Taro leaf blight (Phytophthora colocasiae) causes water-soaked brown lesions that can destroy an entire taro leaf in 2-3 days. The 1993 Samoa epidemic destroyed 95% of taro. Manage with resistant varieties, metalaxyl or mancozeb sprays, good drainage, spacing for air flow, and removing infected leaves. The disease requires warm, wet conditions.
Scan This Plant NowQuick Diagnosis
criticalTaro Leaf Blight
- Affects
- leavespetiolescorms
- Peak Season
- Rainy season; warm (25-28°C) wet conditions with frequent rainfall
- Spread Risk
- Fast
- Spread By
- Rain splash of zoospores, wind-driven rain, contaminated planting material
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Symptoms: What does Taro Leaf Blight look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Small dark water-soaked spots on leaf surface
Small (5-10 mm) dark brown, water-soaked circular spots appear on the upper leaf surface. Droplets of amber-colored fluid may be visible on lesion surfaces.
Rapidly expanding brown lesions with white sporulation
Lesions expand extremely rapidly — growing several centimeters per day. Brown lesions may show white sporangial growth on the underside under humid conditions. Multiple lesions coalesce.
Entire leaf collapse and corm damage
Entire leaves collapse into brown, slimy masses within 2-3 days. Petioles may be infected, causing them to snap. In severe cases, corm infection occurs, causing brown internal rot that reduces both yield and quality.
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