Low Mallow with Anthracnose? Rare but Treatable
Malva pusilla
Anthracnose on Low Mallow: What to Know?
Anthracnose on Low Mallow (Malva pusilla) is a fungal condition with high severity. Low Mallow has low susceptibility to this disease. Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark...
Low Mallow is a easy-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment.
Unlike most plants, Low Mallow has natural resistance to Anthracnose. Best treated with preventive measures rather than reactive treatment. Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on Low Mallow can be managed with organic fungicides.
ð What Does Anthracnose Look Like on Low Mallow?
- âĒ Small irregular yellow or brown spots on leaves
- âĒ Dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits
- âĒ Water-soaked lesions that darken as they age
- âĒ Pink gelatinous masses of spores in lesion centers during warm, moist weather
- âĒ Spots that expand and may cover entire leaves
- âĒ Defoliation in advanced stages
â What Causes Anthracnose on Low Mallow?
- â Caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum
- â Cool wet weather promotes development
- â Optimum temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- â Foliage wet for extended periods of time
- â Fungi overwinter in seeds, soil and garden debris
- â Spores spread through water droplets
ð How to Treat Anthracnose on Low Mallow?
TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on Low Mallow with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). Low Mallow has low susceptibility to this disease.
Quick Fixes
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Second application of systemic fungicide
Second application of systemic fungicide
Assess treatment effectiveness
Assess treatment effectiveness
Organic Treatment
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
ðĄïļ How to Prevent Anthracnose on Low Mallow?
TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on Low Mallow with 8 essential preventive care practices.
- â Implement drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
- â Give plants enough room to breathe and reduce humidity
- â Remove infected plant material after harvest
- â Practice crop rotation between hosts and non-hosts
- â Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
- â Use western grown seeds not exposed to the disease
- â Avoid wetting foliage during watering
- â Ensure good air circulation around plants
ðą How to Care for Low Mallow to Prevent Anthracnose?
ð§ How to Water
Water every 7 days or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant tolerates brief dry spells once established.
âïļ Lighting
Grow in full sun for best flowering and vigour. Low Mallow tolerates light shade but produces fewer blooms in shadier positions. Place in a south or west-facing spot for optimal growth.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining loamy or sandy-loamy soil. Tolerates clay and chalky soils but performs best in moderately fertile, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline ground (pH 5.5â8.0).
Frequently asked questions
Can Anthracnose kill my Low Mallow?
How long does Low Mallow take to recover from Anthracnose?
Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near Low Mallow?
Sources & References
- Anthracnose: Identification, Prevention & Treatment | Gardening Know How
- Anthracnose: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent Anthracnose | The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Anthracnose Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Control | Planet Natural
- Anthracnose: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Methods
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Anthracnose
- Malva pusilla - PFAF Plant Database
- Malva pusilla - Wikipedia
- Mallow Malva - CT CAES Plant Pest Handbook
- Malva pusilla - Plants of the World Online