Stephen H. Brown,
Horticulture Agent
Lee County Extension, Fort Myers, Florida
(239) 533-7513
brownsh@ufl.edu
http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/GardenHome.shtml
Aaron Palmateer, Plant Pathologist
Tropical REC, Homestead, Florida
ajp@ufl.edu
Anthracnose Disease of Ornamental Plants:
A Pictorial
One of the most common diseases of plants is Colletotrichum leaf spot, or anthracnose. The Colleto-
trichum sp. that is most often present is
C. gloeosportioides. Several other species have been identified
in infections of various hosts. Frequently, the perfect stage of the pathogen, Glomerella spp., is also pre-
sent in infected tissue.
Anthracnose disease may be confused with numerous other occurring plant diseases. Often laboratory
analysis is the only way to confirm the presents of the disease. Infection often first become apparent at a
portion of the leaf margin. The affected plant tissue frequently progresses from chlorotic to necrotic.
Infected leaves develop tan to reddish brown lesions that are typically associated with leaf veins; leaves
that have already expanded may become cupped and distorted with large areas of dead tissues. In severe
cases leaf drop occurs.
This pathogen spreads by spores that are easy to splash with irrigation water or rainfall but since they are
somewhat sticky they do not easily spread by simple air movement from the wind or fans. Wounding
can increase disease severity but it is not necessary for pathogen entry.
To manage the disease, rake and destroy fallen leaves, prune out dead or infected branches, mulch and
water during dry periods. Better control is more likely when fungicides are applied on a 7 to 10 day
interval compared to a 14 day interval. This is especially apparent during the rainy season when spores
of the pathogen are actively splashing. For this pathogen, spraying weekly in a preventative manner may
be necessary to obtain the optimal results. Products recommended for managing Colletotrichum contain
Chlorothalonil (Daconil Ultrex, etc.) pyraclostrobin + boscalid (Pageant, etc.) and Chlorothalonil + thio-
phanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG).
Click here
for a publication on recommended fungicides for this
disease.
The months associated with the pictures do not necessarily reflect the time of occurrence or expression
of the disease. In some cases, the disease may be present on the plant year round.
Front
of leaves
Back of leaves
Autograph Tree (Clusia rosea) June
Autograph Tree as a hedge
Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola) July
Dwarf Schefflera as a hedge
Front of leaves
Back of leaves
Insect problems of Hibiscus
Hibiscus as a hedge
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) January
Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica) August
Left: Non-symptomatic leaves
Right: Leaves with Anthracnose symptom
Diseases of Indian Hawthorn
Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) December
Front of leaves
Back of leaves
More on the Strangler Fig
An Incomplete List of ornamental plants that are host to Anthracnose
Common Name
Botanical Name
Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Azalea
Rhododendron hybrids
Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Banana (ornamental)
Nymphioides spp.
Christmas Palm; Adonidia Palm
Adonidia merrillii
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Eugenia
Zyzgium paniculatum
Fig
Ficus carica
Firecracker tree; peregrina
Crinum asiaticum
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica
Leatherleaf Fern
Rumohra adiantriformis
Lilyturf
Liriope muscari
Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Mondograss (dwarf lilyturf)
Ophiopogon japonicus
Pentas
Pentas lanceolata
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Rose
Rosa hybrids
Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
Yucca (spineless)
Yucca spp.
T
he Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational informa-
tion and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, religion, age, disability,
sex, sexual orientation, martial status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension
Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. 1/2012.
All pictures taken by Stephen H. Brown, except where indicated.
Useful Links
Crinum Lily Fact Sheet
Diseases of Indian Hawthorn
Insect Problems of Hibiscus
Strangler Fig Fact Sheet
T
he Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational informa-
tion and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, religion, age, disability,
sex, sexual orientation, martial status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension
Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. .