Anthracnose
Gloesporium quercum
What is Anthracnose (Gloesporium quercum)?
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Gloeosporium quercum, affecting a wide range of plants like hardwood trees (ash, maple, oak, willow, and sycamore), shrubs, and flowering plants. Symptoms include leaf lesions, premature leaf drop, cankers, and twig dieback. Severity varies, from cosmetic damage to severe defoliation and disfigured branches. Although most infections aren't life-threatening to trees, severe cases can result in twig and branch death.
How to Anthracnose (Gloesporium quercum) occur?
Anthracnose typically occurs in spring and early summer, favored by cool and wet weather. Fungi produce spores that spread through wind or rain, initiating new infections. Moist conditions trigger spore germination and infection of host tissues like leaves and shoots. Spore production decreases after mid-summer. Fungal pathogens overwinter in dead leaves on the ground, while some anthracnose can persist in twigs. In the following spring, spores are released, restarting the cycle.
Symptoms
1 - Plants Health
• Anthracnose (caused by Gloeosporium quercum) leads to severe leaf loss, weakening plant health. It causes twig dieback, structural damage, and disfigured growth with abnormal leaf shapes and deformed fruit. • Infected plants experience reduced flowering and fruit production, impacting crop yield and ornamental value.
2 - Impacts on Soil and Environment
• Anthracnose impacts soil and the environment by affecting nutrient cycling through the decomposition of fallen leaves. It acts as a fungal reservoir, potentially persisting in the environment. • It can also have an impact on tree species diversity and reduce the ability of affected plants to sequester carbon dioxide.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Remove and destroy infected plant material to prevent further spread of the fungus. • Prune branches to increase airflow and reduce moisture, creating an unfavorable environment for fungal growth. • Use drip irrigation or water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the conditions suitable for fungal development. • Disinfect tools between uses to prevent fungus transmission to healthy plants. • Select plant varieties that are known to be resistant or tolerant to anthracnose, reducing the risk of infection.
2 - Chemical Method
The most effective fungicide to control anthracnose. • Chlorothalonil (e.g., Daconil): Offers strong protection against anthracnose. • Copper-based sprays (e.g., Liquicop): Contains copper diammonia diacetate for protective action. • Propiconazole (e.g., Banner Maxx II): Provides systemic control against anthracnose. • Thiophanate-methyl (e.g., Cleary's 3336, for professional use only): A systemic fungicide offering effective control. Note: Always refer to and follow the instructions provided on the fungicide label for proper usage
Susceptible Species
Flamingo Boxelder
Kelly's Gold Boxelder
Japanese Maple
River Birch
River Birch (clump)
Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch
Eddie's White Wonder Flowering Dogwood
Cherokee Brave Flowering Dogwood
Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood
Cherokee Daybreak Flowering Dogwood
Cherokee Princess Flowering Dogwood
Cherokee Sunset Flowering Dogwood
Red Flowering Dogwood
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Variegated Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Leprechaun Green Ash
Patmore Green Ash
Sweet Gum
Round Leaf Sweet Gum
Silver King Sweet Gum
Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum
Worplesdon Sweet Gum
Tuliptree
Arnold Tuliptree
Yellow Variegated Tuliptree
Fastigiatum Tuliptree
Alexandrina Saucer Magnolia
Rustica Rubra Magnolia
horse chestnut
horse chestnut
snapdragon
European white birch
silver birch
false aster
false aster
false chamomile
false aster
camellia
tatarian dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
flowering dogwood
mountain dogwood
red twig dogwood
yellow twig dogwood
winter creeper
white ash
European ash
European ash
European ash
flowering ash
English ivy
common hop
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
oakleaf hydrangea
common St. John's wort
black walnut
common privet
Chinese tulip tree
big blue lilyturf
star magnolia
Brazilian red cloak
spearmint
oriental plane tree
common pear
maple-leaved oak
sawtooth oak
white oak
oriental white oak
swamp white oak
turkey oak
kermes oak
scarlet oak
oak
northern pin oak
southern red oak
Hungarian oak
ring-cupped oak
holm oak
shingle oak
laurel oak
oak
overcup oak
bur oak
blackjack oak
swamp chestnut oak
Mongolian oak
oak
chestnut oak
chinkapin oak
myrtle oak
water oak
pin oak
pin oak
willow oak
Armenian oak
downy oak
downy oak
English oak
English oak
English oak
red oak
oak
oak
shumard oak
post oak
cork oak
Texas red oak
Chinese cork oak
black oak
oak
live oak
oak
weeping willow
dragon's claw willow
rough goldenrod
European mountain ash
snowberry
western poison oak
David viburnum
Red-Flowering Currant
Vine Maple
variegated bulbous oat grass
silverleaf dogwood
Silver King euonymus
Idaho fescue
narrow-leafed ash
Transvaal daisy
Oregon grape
peppermint
London plane
Garry oak
tomato
Pink Pagoda mountain ash
piggyback plant
Pink Dawn chitalpa
Shaved Sedge
Brown Tulip Oak
Freshwater Mangrove
Coast Silver Oak
Parlor Oak
Grape Ivy
Red Silky Oak
Silver Oak
Silky Oak
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Brazilian Plume
Oak-leaved Myrica
Cork Oak
Lacey Oak
Bur Oak
Chinquapin Oak
Water Oak
Shumard Red Oak
Live Oak
Sawtooth Oak
Mexican White Oak (Monterrey Oak)
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
