Anthracnose

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Colletotrichum parallelophorum, belonging to the class of ascomycetes. This phytopathogen induces a severe fungal infection commonly known in agricultural practice as anthracnose. The pathogen can persist in plant debris and soil for extended periods, making it highly resilient within crop rotation systems.

This fungal species affects a wide range of agricultural and ornamental crops, including fruit trees, berry bushes, and various vegetable species. The pathogen poses the greatest threat in greenhouse environments and regions with high atmospheric humidity, where it can cause lesions on stems, leaves, and fruits.

Symptoms of the infection manifest as depressed dark-colored spots, often surrounded by a margin, which gradually increase in size. In the center of these lesions, specific fungal fruiting bodies form, appearing as small cushion-like structures. Under high humidity, a characteristic spore-bearing bloom may appear on the surface of the affected areas.

The development of the disease is closely linked to meteorological conditions: excessive humidity and moderately warm air temperatures are the primary catalysts for epiphytotics. Fungal spores are easily disseminated by wind, rain splashes, and irrigation, ensuring the rapid spread of infection within crop stands or plantations.

The economic damage caused by Colletotrichum parallelophorum includes significant yield reduction, degradation of fruit quality, and a general weakening of plant immunity. Control measures include the use of resistant cultivars, adherence to crop rotation, timely sanitary pruning, and the application of systemic and contact fungicides.

• Destruction of infected plant debris.
• Maintaining optimal plant density.
• Preventive treatments with copper-based preparations.
• Monitoring and controlling greenhouse humidity.