Anthracnose refers to diseases that cause leaf, stem, and/or fruit lesions. These diseases may appear as irregular leaf spots/lesions along leaf margins and across or between leaf veins. Anthracnose may kill entire leaves, young shoots and twigs, and cause premature defoliation. Diseased leaf tissue may fall out of leaf lesions. Stem cankers may form at the base of succulent shoots. Look for anthracnose diseases of ash, dogwood, maple, and sycamore during April and May.

Rake and remove fallen leaves. Prune and remove cankered or dead branches. Space plants apart to increase air movement and use drip irrigation to minimize leaf wetness.

For chemical control recommendations, consult the Insect and Plant Disease Control Manual, UT Extension Publication 1690, found here. Please contact your local Extension office for specific pesticide recommendations.