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February 13, 2012
Anthracnose
What Is It?
Anthracnose is a disease caused by fungi that affects leaves, flowers, fruit and stems in many kinds of trees and shrubs. Almost every spring, anthracnose appears on several trees such as ash, birch, maple, oak, redbud, sycamore and many other native and exotic landscape plants. It’s important to note, however, that anthracnose alone will not kill a tree.
What Causes It?
The disease overwinters in infected leaves and twigs. In the spring during rainy periods, large numbers of microscopic spores are discharged by the fungi. The spores are windblown or splashed by the rain onto the young, growing leaves of host trees.
What Does It Look Like?
Though specific symptoms vary by species, infected foliage usually appears scorched or curled with brown, dead areas along the leaf vein or leaf edge. When anthracnose is severe, some defoliation occurs but plants put on new, uninfected leaves as the season progresses. Repeated infections may cause cankers, which are dark, sunken areas on the twigs. These are most common on sycamore and white oak in Central Illinois.
How Can I Control It?
Control starts with sanitation. Clean up all the fallen infected leaves and twigs. If possible prune out any cankered stems and branches.
Lessen the severity of infections on susceptible species with timely applications of water and fertilizer to maintain the health and vigor of the tree.
If warranted smaller plants can be sprayed with Fertilome Liquid Fungicide. A total of three sprays must be applied beginning just before the buds open, again when the leaves are half grown and once more 10 to 14 days later. You cannot miss an application, plants already infected will not be 'cured' and once the leaves show the symptoms there is nothing that needs to be done.
Anthracnose is an early-season nuisance for a lot of plants in our area but it worries the homeowner much more than it bothers the trees.
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Hoerr Nursery | 8020 N Shade Tree Drive | Peoria, IL 61615
Just North of the Shoppes on Route 91 | 309.691.4561 | Contact Us
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