I have spreading black spots on my 4' sunflowers. what could this be?

Question

The spreading black spots start anywhere on the leaf and are somewhat translucent. i have noticed small, rowed, black circular spots inside the translucent black area.

Answer 1

Maybe it's Artillery fungus spore masses?   Do you have fungus in your mulch?   This site has a picture of all kinds of molds, slime and fungus.

http://www.ppath.cas.psu.edu/EXTENSION/P...

Answer 2

I believe it is called - what else - black spot.  It is from a fungus.  What I have read about black spot is to pick the leafs which have the black spot making sure you dispose of them.  Do not let the leaves drop to the ground, as the fungus will spread.  If you water your sunflower, water them early in the AM and only at the base of the plant, thus not promoting the spread of the fungus.  The plant can still live with this fungus, however it is unsightly.  There may even be something which will kill black spot at the local hardware store, but I try to use natural methods first.  Good Luck!