Lime anthracnose
Scientific Name
[Fungus] Colletotrichum acutatum J.H. Simmonds.
Lime anthracnose was originally described as Gloeosporium limetticola Clausen.
Disease cycle
The epidemiology of this disease has not been completely studied. Lime anthracnose survives year to year on dead twigs and in lesions on mature leaves. It only infects young tissues following spore dispersal by water splash. The constant leaf flushing of key limes together with the large amount of innoculum that can be produced on these tissues, make lime anthracnose difficult to control.
Symptoms
Leaf - foliar symptoms are visible as necrotic spots that may produce a shot-hole effect if the necrotic areas fall out. In severe infections the leaves and entire young shoots can become totally blighted and drop. In addition shoot tips may die back and leaf distortion may occur.
Fruit - infection of young fruit usually results in premature fruit drop. Late infections produce lesions that are often large and deep and accompanied by fruit distortion.
Host range
Key/ Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is the only known host.
Distribution
Lime anthracnose occurs in humid regions of the Americas as well as Zanzibar (Africa).
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