Common crops affected
What is it?
Anthracnose is caused mainly by Colletotrichum fungi. The pathogen overwinters in plant debris and infected tissue and spreads in warm, wet conditions via splashing water. It infects leaves, stems, and especially fruit, where it produces the characteristic dark, sunken spots.
How to identify it
- Dark, sunken, circular lesions on fruit — often with concentric rings or pinkish spore masses in the center
- Irregular dark spots and blotches on leaves, sometimes along veins
- Sunken cankers or streaks on stems
- Worse in warm, humid, rainy weather
Damage and how it spreads
Anthracnose downgrades and rots fruit (a major cause of post-harvest loss), defoliates plants, and weakens stems. Because spores spread by splashing water and survive in debris, it returns season after season if not managed. Early protection is the key to clean fruit.
How to control it
- Remove and destroy infected debris and fruit; do not compost them.
- Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
- Rotate crops and use clean seed and resistant varieties where available.
- Apply a protective natural fungicide at first sign and during warm, wet spells.
Recommended Vegalab solution: Spore Control
Vegalab Spore Control (Thymol from Thymus vulgaris) targets anthracnose (Colletotrichum) directly. It forms a protective film on the plant cuticle and inhibits spore germination and mycelium growth, causing fungal cell lysis through K+ ion imbalance. Apply as a foliar spray at first sign of disease, diluted 1:1,000 (1 mL/L), and maintain coverage on new growth and developing fruit during high-risk weather.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Spore Control | Broad-spectrum protective fungicide |
| Companion / broader pressure | Armour Boost | Silica for tissue resilience |
Preventing it next season
Sanitize debris, rotate crops, keep foliage dry, and start protective sprays before warm wet weather. Strong, well-nourished plants resist infection better — support cell-wall strength with Armour Boost and balanced nutrition.
Claims and product availability vary by jurisdiction. Always read and follow the product label.