Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum capsici, is a major disease of chilli plants, especially in warm and humid conditions. It affects all parts of the plant, but is most damaging to the fruits. Symptoms include:
On fruits: Small, water-soaked spots appear, which enlarge into dark, sunken, circular lesions. These lesions often have concentric rings and salmon-pink spore masses in the center, especially in humid weather. Infected fruits may rot and drop prematurely.
On leaves: Irregular, dark brown spots may appear, often leading to defoliation.
On stems and branches: Dark, elongated lesions can develop, sometimes causing dieback.
The disease spreads rapidly through infected seeds, rain splash, wind, and farm tools. High humidity and temperatures between 25-30°C are ideal for its development.
Preventing anthracnose is crucial for effective management. Implement these practices:
Use disease-free seeds: Always source seeds from reputable suppliers or treat your own seeds with fungicides before sowing.
Resistant varieties: Choose chilli varieties known to have resistance or tolerance to anthracnose, if available in your region.
Crop rotation: Avoid planting chillies or other susceptible crops (like tomatoes, brinjal) in the same field for at least 2-3 years. Rotate with non-host crops like cereals.
Field sanitation: Remove and destroy all infected plant debris, fallen fruits, and weeds from the field after harvest. This reduces the source of fungal spores.
Proper spacing: Maintain adequate plant spacing to ensure good air circulation within the canopy, which helps reduce humidity around the plants.
Water management: Avoid overhead irrigation, especially late in the day, as wet foliage for prolonged periods favors fungal growth. Drip irrigation is preferred. If using sprinklers, water in the morning to allow leaves to dry quickly.
Balanced nutrition: Provide balanced fertilizers. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush growth, making plants more susceptible.
When cultural methods are not enough, timely application of fungicides is necessary. Start spraying preventively if anthracnose is common in your area, or at the first sign of symptoms.
Fungicide Type (Active Ingredient) General Application Rate (per litre of water) Timing/Notes Carbendazim 50% WP 1-1.5 g Systemic, good for early stages. Mancozeb 75% WP 2-2.5 g Contact, protective. Apply before disease appears. Chlorothalonil 75% WP 2-2.5 g Contact, protective. Azoxystrobin 23% SC 0.5-1 mL Systemic, broad-spectrum. Effective for prevention and early control. Copper Oxychloride 50% WP 2.5-3 g Contact, protective.
Important: Always read and follow the instructions on the fungicide product label for exact dosage, mixing, and safety precautions. Rotate different types of fungicides to prevent the fungus from developing resistance.
The most effective way to control anthracnose is to combine various methods. This integrated approach includes:
Planting resistant varieties.
Practicing good field sanitation and crop rotation.
Optimizing irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
Monitoring plants regularly for early signs of the disease.
Applying fungicides preventively or at the onset of symptoms, rotating active ingredients.
Anthracnose can also develop on fruits after harvest, especially during storage. To minimize post-harvest losses:
Harvest fruits carefully to avoid injuries.
Remove any visibly infected fruits during sorting.
Store fruits in cool, well-ventilated conditions.
By implementing these comprehensive strategies, chilli farmers can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of anthracnose, leading to healthier plants and better yields.
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