# Anthracnose on a Ficus
Ficus (Ficus spp.) is a large group of shrubs, vines and trees with more than 800 varieties, as cited by the University of Florida Extension. The evergreen or deciduous plants belong to the mulberry family and grow best in fertile, moist soil. Anthracnose is among the likely diseases of ficus.
-
Cause
-
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Glomerella cingulata or Colletotrichum spp. Ficus plants growing in excessively moist or humid environments are more susceptible to the pathogen.
Damage
-
The disease starts with the appearance of yellow to dark brown spots on the foliage. With disease progression, there are masses of yellow spores within the spots and along the foliage veins. The affected foliage gradually dies. Anthracnose is prevalent during summer.
Management
-
Avoid overhead irrigation in plants and minimize exposure to rain whenever possible. When using cuttings from stock plants, inspect carefully for symptoms of disease. Fungicidal control options include the use of chlorothalonil, thiophanate-methyl and copper-based products.
-
