How to Recognize and Treat Anthracnose Disease on Chilli Plants

Anthracnose disease on chilli plants can affect both the fruit and the leaves of the plant, as well as seedlings that have not yet emerged from the soil. This fungal disease affects more than just chilli plants, so it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for, how to recognize the disease, and how to treat it effectively so you can keep your crop healthy and growing strong. Below are some quick facts about anthracnose and its common signs, followed by detailed instructions on how to treat it in your own home garden.

What is Anthracnose

Not much is known about anthracnose in chillies. The scientific name for it is Colletotrichum capsicum which belongs to Phomopsis and Colletotrichum genera. Colletotrichum capsicum causes similar symptoms as Alternaria, however, it has been known to infect many fruits besides chillies including mangoes, citrus fruit, papaya, coconuts, pineapple, etc. It can be identified by observing dark brown lesions or sunken necrotic tissue with concentric rings of acervuli as seen in Figure 1. Anthracnose infections are usually fatal if not treated timely with fungicides.

What are the signs and symptoms of anthracnose disease?

A common disease of chilli plants, anthracnose manifests as spots or blights on fruit, leaves, stems, or roots. The specific symptoms of anthracnose infection depend upon which part of a plant is infected; however, similar signs and symptoms appear in each case. For example, anthracnose may appear as sunken lesions or dark spots with concentric rings of acervuli (fungal fruiting bodies) inside them. These small lesions often coalesce into larger ones that eventually open up to expose necrotic tissue beneath.

Where does anthracnose disease occur?

Red chillies (Capsicum annuum) are one of the most commonly attacked crops by anthracnose disease in southeast Asia. Anthracnose symptoms often appear first at the blossom or bud stage, or from newly emerging leaves. Later, infections are also observed on fruit and ripening pods which causes severe losses if not controlled in time. Symptoms may vary depending upon cultivars, environmental conditions, and symptom age when anthracnose infection occurs.

What are some methods for controlling/preventing this disease?

Symptoms can be controlled using chemical treatments or by protecting plants from rainfall. To prevent anthracnose, use disease-free seedlings or sterilize planting material. Plant in well-drained soils with high fertility, a pH of 6.0–6.5, and full sun exposure. For more information about anthracnose disease check out (Figure 1).

Chemical control

In addition to sanitation practices, a number of chemicals have been developed for controlling anthracnose disease. Some products have shown efficacy against anthracnose.

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