Anthracnose appears on different crops from beans to tomatoes. When
this fungus attacks fruits or pods, the infected areas become
susceptible to other pathogens.
Anthracnose spores are spread by the wind or splashing rain;
insects are also known to carry and transfer these spores to
plants. Human beings working with wet plants can also transfer
these spores from plant to plant. During wet conditions, the spores
can easily penetrate through leaf surface or plant wounds.
Prevention and Control
Anthracnose can be prevented by removing and composting infected
plant parts or plants. Avoid using overhead sprinklers in watering
the garden. To prevent the anthracnose from spreading, spray with
sulfur; however, this method will not be very effective during wet
or rainy weather for it is difficult to apply the spray effectively
without being washed away by water or rain.
Check fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes as soon as they ripen.
Wash and dry healthy looking fruits before storing. Separate the
infected fruits from healthy ones to prevent transferring the
spores.
Small brown spots appear on leaves that can grow larger to larger
and circular patches, causing the leaves to yellow, curl and fall
early. This will lead to brown sunken areas. Leaves, stems and pod
tissues may be killed, and in severe cases, the plant will
die.
Natural Insecticides
* Neem oil extracted from the tropical neem tree can be used as an
insecticide or fungicide. Begin applying it at about the time
symptoms start to develop.
* Copper, which is a natural mineral, can also be used as dust or
foliar spray. It is the strongest organic fungicide and bactericide
available.
* Bacillus subtilis is a bacterium that out-competes some plant
pathogens, such as anthracnose. It is used as foliar spray to
prevent fungal diseases.
Other Methods of Control
* Garden Cleanup: Since anthracnose can survive on seeds, weeds and
crop debris even through the winter ensure that after harvesting to
clean up the area. Start removing weeds and crop debris and make
sure to throw them or compost.
* Choose Plants Wisely: Next time you plant, choose resistant
varieties of known vulnerable plants. When you notice the plants
are infected, you can start uprooting and removing them so as not
to infect other plantings.
* Crop Rotation: Every 2 years, rotate crop families to break the
disease cycle.
