Anthracnose: Identification, Control & Prevention Guide

Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of vegetables, fruits, and trees. It spreads rapidly in warm, wet conditions and overwinters on infected debris.

Identification

• Leaves: Small irregular yellow/brown spots that darken and expand.
• Vegetables: Any plant part affected.
• Fruits: Dark sunken spots; pinkish spore masses in humid weather; eventual rot.
• Trees: Young twig dieback, brown leaf spots/patches, defoliation.

Control

• Remove and destroy infected plants. For trees, prune dead wood and destroy fallen leaves.
• Copper-based fungicides may help, but copper accumulates toxically for earthworms and microbes. For trees, try dormant bordeaux mix.

Prevention

• Plant resistant varieties or healthy transplants.
• Use well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Water with drip irrigation, not overhead. Avoid handling wet plants.
• Keep ripening fruit off the soil.
• Rotate crops every 2–3 years.