Measures to Control Anthracnose Disease in Guava Plant

Anthracnose is a common name for a group of fungal diseases that affect a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is caused by several different species of fungi, but the most common are Colletotrichum and Gloeosporium. Different guava varieties show varying susceptibility to anthracnose. Some research suggests losses ranging from 16.4% to 30.4% depending on the variety.

• Type of Infestation: Disease
• Common Name: Anthracnose 
• Causal Organism: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
• Affected Parts Of the plant: Fruit, Leaves, Branches

Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:

• Warm and humid conditions: Temperatures between 28-32°C (82-90°F) and high humidity, especially above 80%, create the perfect environment for fungal growth and spore dispersal.
• Rain and splashing water: Heavy rain or overhead irrigation can splash fungal spores from infected leaves and fruits to healthy ones, facilitating disease spread.
• Poor drainage: Waterlogged soil prevents proper root aeration and weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to infection.

 Symptoms of Pest/Disease:

• On fruits: Small, sunken, dark brown or black lesions that start on the calyx end and enlarge. These lesions may coalesce to form larger patches, and the fruit may become soft and mushy.
• On leaves: Brown or black spots with irregular margins, which may eventually cause the leaves to drop.
• On twigs and branches: Dieback, starting from the tips and progressing downwards. The affected tissues become brown or black and eventually die.

Measures to control Pests/Diseases:

Products	Technical Names	Dosages
DR BLIGHT	Metalaxyl-M 3.3% + Chlorothalonil 33.1% SC	300-400 ml/acre
COC50	Copper oxychloride 50 % wp	2gm/ltr
Samartha	Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP	300-400 grams per acre
Azodharma	Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + difenoconazole 11.4 % SC	150-200 ml per Acre