This disease is caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides . It can be distinguished from the pollu (hollow berry) caused by the beetle by the presence of characteristic cracks on the infected berries. The disease appears towards the end of the monsoon. The affected berries show brown sunken patches during early stages and their further development is affected. In later stages, the discolouration gradually increases and the berries show the characteristic cross splitting. Finally, the berries turn black and dry. The fungus also causes angular to irregular brownish lesions with a chlorotic halo on the leaves. The disease can be managed by prophylactic spraying of bordeaux mixture (1 %) or carbendazim + mancozeb (0.1%). Manuring and fertlilizing in black pepper plants
Survival
⦁ The primary infection by sowing infected seeds and secondary by wind.
Favourable conditions
⦁ Rain and high humidity are responsible for the development of disease.
Mode of Spread
Infection begins during the period of spike emergence and subsequent development. Anthracnose disease is mainly spread by the rain splash.
The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is air borne.
Anthracnose disease – Management
Cultural practices
Irrigating black pepper vines during summer months has been found to substantially reduce the disease symptoms. Adequate shade regulation is a must for managing this disease.
Provide irrigation 4-5 times an interval of 5-7 days@ 40-50lit/plant commencing from 22nd March followed by shade regulation (provide 40 % shade using shade net) of support trees to provide minimum 7500-10,000 lux light under cloudy condition.
Remove and destroy all fallen leaves and spikes. Stunt disease in black pepper plants
Chemical control
In India, the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon spray with Bordeaux mixture (1%) or carbendazim + mancozeb (0.1%) is recommended to check the anthracnose. Most common black pepper diseases are here.10 most common black pepper diseases.
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