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Anthracnose refers to a group of plant diseases caused by various fungi. Each fungus attacks specific species of plants.
Anthracnose affects numerous species of plants, usually woody ornamentals. Many species of shade trees are affected, but only a few severely, such as ashes, elms and sycamores.
Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spots, dead leaf areas, and curled or distorted leaves. Infected leaves drop off the tree. In severe cases, the whole tree may defoliate. Repeated defoliation may kill the tree.
Anthracnose may cause shoot and twig dieback, as well as cankers on twigs, branches and trunks. Cankers can girdle trees and kill them.
Anthracnose fungi live through the winter in twigs and branches on the plant, and on dead plant material around the plant. In the spring, fruiting bodies grow and release spores, which are spread by wind and rain to nearby plants.
Thin plants to allow better air circulation. Remove affected plant parts and debris. Apply a fungicide spray approved for anthracnose on the specified host plant following the manufacturer's directions to prevent or control the disease.
Melody Lee has worked as a reporter, copywriter and editor for a weekly newspaper. She holds a degree in Landscape Design and is a Florida Master Gardener. She has more than 25 years of gardening experience, that includes working at several nurseries and greenhouses.
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