Anthracnose, one of the most dangerous fungi

If we had to say which living organisms can do the most damage to plants, our answer would not be insects, not even herbivorous animals, but rather insects. mushrooms. These, lovers of humidity, take advantage of any sign of weakness shown by plant beings to multiply and spread throughout all their parts.

One of the most common is anthracnosewhich is one that causes the appearance of spots especially on the leaves, but also on the fruits. Let’s learn to identify it, treat it and prevent it.

What is anthracnose?

Anthracnose is one of the names given to various fungi of the genera Colletotrichum, Gloeosporium and Coniothyrium, among others. It is also known as canker or chancre, and it is one of the most dangerous diseases that plants can have.

It is favored by the heat, so it will be in spring and summer when it is easier to detect it. Diseased plants will have a behavior that is not what they should have in those months, so we will have to be attentive to any small details to start the treatment.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are appearance of brown spots on the leavesaround the nerves. It may appear as if they have been burned by the sun. Affected plants can completely defoliate in spring and summer.

But we can also see spots on the fruits and protrusions on the trunks. If they are not dealt with in time, we could lose them.

How is it treated?

The treatment consists of cut the affected parts and in apply copper-based fungicides 3 times in 7 day intervals. Likewise, it is very important that if the disease has advanced much the plant is discarded to prevent fungi from infecting others.

What to do to prevent anthracnose?

Fortunately, there are several things we can do to prevent it:

• Disinfect the soil before planting (by solarization, For example).
• Use new potting substrates.
• Clean pruning tools before and after use with pharmacy rubbing alcohol or a few drops of dishwasher.
• Plant the plants in clean containers (they can be cleaned with soap and water).
• Eliminate wild herbs.
• Make preventive treatments with horsetail extract throughout the year (it is for sale in nurseries and online stores).
• Do not wet the aerial part of the plants (leaves, stems, flowers).
• Do not buy diseased plants.

Fungi must be well controlled to prevent them from destroying our plants. We hope this article has been useful for treating and preventing anthracnose.