Tea Corticium

The causative agent of this disease is the fungus Corticium invisum, a basidiomycete that acts as a serious pathogen on woody perennials. It is particularly known for causing necrosis on the stems and leaves, significantly impacting the structural integrity and health of the host plant.

The primary host for this pathogen is the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The disease thrives in tropical and subtropical growing regions where high humidity and warm temperatures create an ideal environment for the fungus to establish its mycelium and spread via airborne spores or water splashes.

The initial symptoms are characterized by brown or dark necrotic patches appearing on young shoots and leaves. As the infection progresses, these lesions enlarge, leading to shoot dieback. In humid conditions, a characteristic white to grey fungal web or film may be visible on the bark of the tea bushes.

Development and spread of the disease are accelerated by crowded planting patterns, lack of proper pruning, and poor canopy aeration. The fungus survives in diseased wood and plant debris, making it difficult to eradicate if sanitary protocols are not strictly followed in the field during the rainy season.

The economic impact of this disease includes significant yield reduction and loss of vegetative growth. Left unmanaged, Corticium invisum can lead to the death of entire branches, eventually weakening the plants to the point of unproductivity, which necessitates expensive intervention and replanting measures.

• Regular sanitation by pruning and removing infected branches.
• Maintaining proper plant spacing to ensure airflow within the canopy.
• Applying copper-based fungicides to prevent new fungal infections.
• Removing all fallen plant matter to eliminate the pathogen's reservoir.