White mulberry with Anthracnose: Prevention & Cure
Morus alba
Anthracnose on White mulberry: What to Know?
Anthracnose on White mulberry (Morus alba) is a fungal condition with high severity. White mulberry has moderate 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...
White mulberry is a easy-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment.
Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on White mulberry can be managed with organic fungicides. Without precautions, chemical treatments for Anthracnose can be harmful to pets. Use organic methods for White mulberry in pet-friendly homes.
ð What Does Anthracnose Look Like on White mulberry?
- 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 White mulberry?
- 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 White mulberry?
TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on White mulberry with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). White mulberry has moderate 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 White mulberry?
TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on White mulberry 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 White mulberry to Prevent Anthracnose?
ð§ How to Water
Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system. Mature trees are drought-tolerant.
âïļ Lighting
For the best fruit production and growth, ensure the tree receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Adaptable to most soil types, including clay and sand, provided there is adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anthracnose kill my White mulberry?
How long does White mulberry take to recover from Anthracnose?
Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near White mulberry?
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
- PFAF Plant Database - Morus alba
- NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Morus alba
- Tips Bulletin - Mulberry Tree Diseases
- Viriar Tree Encyclopedia - Morus alba
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Morus alba