early blight

American  

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of plants characterized by leaf spotting, defoliation, and stunted growth, caused by any of several fungi, as Alternaria solani or Cercospora apii.

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Example Sentences

One of these diseases, early blight, primarily impacts tomato and potato plants; browning leaves are the first sign, and if left untreated, the blight can spread to the stem and other parts of the plant, eventually killing it.

From Salon

While diseases such as early blight and powdery mildew are already well-known by gardeners, they are appearing more frequently, especially for those in northern climates who are experiencing warmer weather than in prior years.

From Salon

A: When the lower leaves of a tomato plant are yellowing around the edges with scattered brown spots, this is likely caused by early blight, a fungal disease.

From Seattle Times

Both early blight and Septoria leaf spot are soil-borne fungi that overwinter in infested soil.

From Seattle Times

Two of the most common fungal diseases may, at first glance, look similar — and you may even have them both: Alternaria, or early blight, and Septoria leaf spot.

From Seattle Times