Guide For Tomatoes

T O M AT O E S
Disease Cycle
Anthracnose is primarily a disease of ripe and
overripe fruit. The fungus overwinters as microsclerotia
on plant debris, which germinates and produces conidia
when conditions are wet and warm. The fungus may
infect fruit resting on the soil surface or it may be
rain-splashed to fruit higher up in the canopy. Infection
may occur while fruit is immature, but symptoms are
not expressed on the fruit until it matures and ripens.
Conditions for Development
Optimum conditions for infection include
temperatures from 68º to 75º F combined with free
moisture. Dissemination is favored by splashing
rain and overhead irrigation.
A N T H R A C N O S E
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