Field Identification
A group of fungal diseases causing sunken, water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit—often with salmon-pink spore masses in humid weather. Tomatoes, beans, cucurbits, and many tree fruits each host different Colletotrichum species.
Circular leaf spots with tan centers and dark margins; fruit rots start as round sunken craters; cankers girdle stems on seedlings. Spreads by splash, tools, and infected seed.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Copper, sulfur, or Bacillus subtilis-based biofungicides on a protectant schedule during wet periods; neem has limited curative value—start before infection periods.
Trichoderma and Pseudomonas products as seed treatments or soil amendments may reduce soilborne phases on beans and vegetables.
Wider spacing and trellising for airflow; drip instead of overhead water; rotate out of susceptible families; use certified seed; remove crop debris.
Mulch to reduce soil splash; prune low branches on trees to lift fruit above splash zone.
Avoid working wet canopies; sanitize stakes and ties; choose resistant cultivars where breeding has delivered them.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Trichoderma spp.
- Pseudomonas fluorescens
- Bacillus subtilis
Threat Map