What is causing this damage? 2026-01-06

Noticing damage to the leaves or fruit of your crops can be alarming. For certain plant diseases, early detection is essential for effective management that limits further injury to the crop. In other cases, the level of damage—or the type of pest responsible—may be too minor to justify control measures, as the cost of intervention could exceed the impact of the damage. Identifying the exact cause of leaf injury can be challenging, because insects, pathogens, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental factors can produce similar symptoms. To assist with this process, ECHO has developed a set of example photographs that illustrate common leaf symptoms and provide guidance on how to determine the likely cause of the damage. Take a look! 

ECHO quick photo guide of insect pest damage vs. other crop damage