The genus Cinnamomum

Pests and Diseases of Cinnamon and Cassia 253
Pythium were recorded on C. osmeophleum out of which P. spendens and P. vexans were
widespread and caused 15–30% mortality. In addition, some new diseases have also been
recorded on C. cassia from India, which are described below (Anandaraj, unpublished).
Thread blight
This disease is caused by the fungus Marasmius pulcherima. White mycelial strands
traverse the ventral surface of leaves and branches of C. cassia. The affected leaves and
branches dry up. The disease is controlled by removing the affected areas and spraying
with Bordeaux mixture (1%) during the monsoon period.
Shot-hole
Shot-hole symptoms appear on leaves of C. cassia due to infection by the fungus
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Fig. 10.7). Small brown lesions are formed on the leaf
lamina. A yellow halo develops surrounding the lesion and the entire tissue along
Figure 10.7 Shot-hole in Cinnamomum cassia caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.