Anthracnosis

A plant disease caused by fungi

Anthracnose
Anthracnose symptoms on a leaf
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dark lesions on leaves, stems, fruits
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Fungal pathogens
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Fungicides, cultural practices
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that affect a wide range of plants, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. The term "anthracnose" is derived from the Greek words "anthrax," meaning coal, and "nosos," meaning disease, referring to the dark, coal-like appearance of the lesions.

Causative Agents

Anthracnose is caused by several species of fungi, primarily from the genera Colletotrichum and Gloeosporium. These fungi are known to infect a variety of host plants, including trees, shrubs, and crops.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anthracnose vary depending on the host plant and the specific fungal pathogen involved. Common symptoms include:

• Dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits.
• Premature leaf drop.
• Twigs and branches may develop cankers.
• Infected fruits may rot and fall off prematurely.

Life Cycle

The fungi that cause anthracnose overwinter in plant debris, soil, or infected plant tissues. In the spring, spores are produced and spread by wind, rain, or insects to new host plants. The fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions, which facilitate the spread and infection of new tissues.

Management

Managing anthracnose involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments:

• Cultural Practices: Remove and destroy infected plant debris to reduce sources of inoculum. Prune affected areas to improve air circulation and reduce humidity around plants.
• Chemical Control: Fungicides can be effective in controlling anthracnose, especially when applied preventatively. Common fungicides include those containing chlorothalonil, copper, or mancozeb.
• Resistant Varieties: Planting resistant varieties of crops and ornamental plants can reduce the incidence of anthracnose.

Impact on Agriculture

Anthracnose can significantly impact agricultural productivity, particularly in crops such as beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and grapes. The disease can lead to reduced yield and quality of produce, resulting in economic losses for farmers.

Also see

• Fungal plant diseases
• Plant pathology
• Integrated pest management
• Colletotrichum