In early spring, while trees are still dormant, monitor the orchard floor for the presence of leaf litter which is the source of primary inoculum. Spots may be only pinpoint in size. During wet, humid periods, examine the underside of leaves to determine if masses of whitish-pink conidia are beginning to form. Be familiar with leaf spot symptoms as this disease is sometimes confused with other problems, such as virus diseases and spray injury. Record the occurrence of defoliation due to this disease.
Fungicides are the primary means for managing cherry leaf spot.
All commercially acceptable cultivars of cherry are susceptible to the disease. Start fungicide applications at petal fall, or after the first leaves have unfolded, and repeat applications every 7 to 10 days until harvest, and conclude with one or two postharvest applications, beginning 2 to 3 weeks after harvest. The disease is more difficult to control on sour cherries because of their high susceptibility.