Tea Anthracnose

The causative agent of this disease is the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum camelliae, which is responsible for the development of anthracnose. This fungus is a specialized parasite that attacks various tissues of the host plant, disrupting its biological functions and significantly reducing its vigor.

The primary crop affected by this pathogen is the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The fungus commonly targets leaves and young shoots, though it may also impact petioles and stems. In addition to tea, Colletotrichum camelliae is known to infect various ornamental Camellia species in nurseries and landscape environments.

Symptoms of the infection typically appear as small, yellowish-brown spots on the leaf margins or central parts of the leaf blade. As the disease progresses, these lesions enlarge, turn dark brown or greyish-black, and often develop a light-colored center. In humid conditions, small black fruiting bodies appear on the surface of the lesions.

The development and spread of Colletotrichum camelliae are heavily influenced by high humidity, prolonged wet weather, and moderate temperatures. The fungus produces spores (conidia) that are easily dispersed by rain splash, wind, and agricultural tools. The pathogen survives between growing seasons in infected plant debris, fallen leaves, and cankers on the stems.

The impact of this disease is severe, leading to leaf drop, stunted growth, and twig dieback, which directly reduces the quality and quantity of the tea harvest. Effective control strategies involve a combination of rigorous field sanitation, correct fertilization to strengthen the plants, and the timely application of fungicides during periods of high infection risk.

• Removal and destruction of infected plant material.
• Maintaining proper spacing to ensure air circulation.
• Balanced nutrient application to enhance plant resistance.
• Preventive and curative fungicide sprays during susceptible stages.