Integrated Pest Management

Anthracnose of Ornamental Trees


Necrotic (dead) lesions along the veins of a sycamore leaf. Necrotic (dead) lesions along the veins of a sycamore leaf.
Symptoms of anthracnose on maple leaves. Symptoms of anthracnose on maple leaves.
Dark colored spore-bearing structures called acervuli are produced on sycamore. Dark colored spore-bearing structures called acervuli are produced on sycamore.
A sycamore infected with anthracnose. Trees may be defoliated by mid to late summer depending on severity of infection.A sycamore infected with anthracnose. Trees may be defoliated by mid to late summer depending on severity of infection.

Anthracnose is a fungal disease common throughout Utah on maple, sycamore, oak and ash. Although in most years it does not cause significant damage, it can be very destructive during years when extended cool wet spring conditions occur. Consecutive years with conditions conducive to disease can seriously weaken trees and may cause death if the conditions persist and control measures are not implemented.

CAUSAL ORGANISMS

The group of fungi that cause anthracnose produce spore bearing structures called acervuli. The acervuli erupt through the plant tissue and are evident as small black dots on twigs. The fungi that cause anthracnose are Kabatiella apocrypta in maple, Apiognomonia veneta in sycamore, A. quercina in oak and A. errabunda in ash.

SYMPTOMS

The first symptoms occur on leaves as small water soaked lesions. They are usually found along main veins of leaves, but can also occur between the veins. The spots enlarge and eventually turn tan, reddish-brown or black, depending on the species and cultivar of tree affected. Acervuli are then produced by the fungus in the necrotic tissue. Sycamore leaves can become infected as they emerge from buds resulting in blighting of the entire leaf cluster.

Infections on twigs and branches initially appear as discolored depressed areas in the bark followed by splitting bark. Severe infections may even result in death of small branches. Cankers usually develop raised margins resulting from the healing process in the tree. Sycamore branch infections result in multiple lateral shoots called witches brooms.

DISEASE CYCLE

The fungi overwinter in fallen leaves, petioles, twigs or branches. Under cool moist spring conditions the fungi mature and produce spores that are dispersed by wind and rain. Spores that contact susceptible host tissue infect and grow throughout the adjacent tissue leading to the characteristic leaf spot symptoms.

CONTROL

Recommended cultural controls include:

  • Rake and destroy fallen leaves.
  • Prune out and destroy infected twigs and branches.
  • Maintain tree vigor with adequate water and fertilization.
  • Plant resistant cultivars. Sycamore cultivars Bloodgood, Columbia and Liberty are reported to be resistant. Check with your local nursery for resistance information regarding other tree species.

A fungicide should be applied soon after budbreak (in addition to the cultural controls) when cool, wet spring weather occurs year after year. Be sure to check the label for specific information about labeled uses and rates.  Anthracnose of specimen sycamore trees may require a systemic fungicide injection to save the tree.


Precautionary Statement: Utah State University and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document. All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks, and not all are registered for edible crops. “Restricted use” pesticides may only be applied by a licensed applicator. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use. USU makes no endorsement of the products listed in this publication.