chard leaves going black

[Diane]

I've noticed that some of my chard leaves have black areas on them - is this some sort of blight or mildew, only I thought mildew was white??

These are young plants, seed sown in late spring and, up until last week, they were looking very healthy. Some are growing in large pots and some I've planted out in the veg. bed. I've always grown chard and it's never happened before.

Can I blame the weather or should I be doing something about it?

Advice much appreciated.

[Primrose]

The same thing has happened to mine, and many of the bigger leaves are also covered with rust spots, which is the first time I can recall this happening. They are planted quite close to my leeks, so I'm a little worried about cross infection. I suspect it may be due to the weather, on occasions the leaves have been badly wetted by a hosepipe and this may have triggered the problem, (although I imagine rain would have the same effect) I'm just taking off all the affected leaves in the hope that it doesn't spread as my past experience is that chard is pretty resistant to disease.

[Tigger]

Not helpful - but I haven't got any black areas on mine.

[Chantal]

Me neither, lots of holes though.